Critically endangered mountain gorilla population grows despite threats to forest habitat

The number of critically endangered mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) living in the rainforests of the Virunga Mountain range in East Africa is rising, according to a new census, released a few weeks ahead of World Rainforest Day.

According to the census, which was led by protected area authorities of the governments of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Rwanda, and Uganda, gorilla populations grew to 604 from an estimated 480 in 2010. In 1981, there were only 242 mountain apes and the population was at an all-time low.”

Combined with the findings of a census conducted in 2011, which counted 400 mountain gorillas living in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda, the numbers indicate the existence of 1,004 mountain gorillas worldwide. It is the only wild ape population whose numbers are increasing.

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