~ Numbers surpass 1,000 for the first time in decades, thanks to conservation efforts ~
June 21st, 2018, by African Travel
See East Africa’s Growing Population of Mountain Gorillas with African Travel, Inc. 
~ Numbers surpass 1,000 for the first time in decades, thanks to conservation efforts ~
GLENDALE, Calif., June 20, 2018 – According to census results just released last month, the population of critically endangered mountain gorillas living in East Africa’s mountains has grown to over 1,000, a huge success story at a time when many other African species are experiencing a reduction in numbers due to poaching and habitat destruction.
The census, which was led by the governments of Rwanda, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and many conservation groups, showed 604 individual gorillas living in Rwanda’s Virunga Mountains as of June 2016. Combined with an earlier study that shows approximately 400 gorillas in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, the total comes to over 1,000.
Gorilla populations in East Africa have been steadily increasing since 1981, when their numbers reached a perilously low 242 individuals. The growth over the last three decades is attributable to the hard work done by governments, local communities, and non-profit conservation groups.
“Conserving gorillas for future generations is a crucial mission – one that benefits us all,” said Lucille Sive, CEO of The Travel Corporation's Africa Division, who blogged about her experience gorilla trekking in Rwanda here. “These gentle creatures are stunning to behold in their natural habitat. If you are considering visiting Rwanda or Uganda to see the mountain gorillas, I absolutely recommend it.”
Travelers can see these majestic creatures up close on three different African Travel, Inc. itineraries in Rwanda and Uganda.
Click here to download the full PDF
