Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (gorillas)
The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is one of the last habitats of the majestic mountain gorillas. It is one of the two subspecies of the eastern gorilla. Unfortunately, the mountain gorilla is listed as « critically endangered » and there are only about a thousand individuals spread over Uganda, Rwanda, and the Republic of the Congo.
The main threats to the gorillas are the destruction of its habitat, poaching for its meat, its use in some absurd rituals, contraband of baby gorillas, and diseases transmitted by humans. The last point is surprising since a tourism industry has developed around the gorilla. Yes, it is possible to meet them, but everything is very strict and also very expensive. The time allotted for an encounter is one hour maximum, and the groups are limited to eight people.
Personally, I am convinced that tourism helps save the gorilla. It is unfortunate, but it is human nature. If they were no tourists and the incomes associated with the gorilla, they would be left to fend for themselves and the population would be exterminated by poachers. An encounter with gorillas cost from 700 to 1500 $US (in 2021) according to the location. The money is used for the protection of the gorilla, but also to help the communities that surround the parks.
The destruction of its habitat is also an important factor of its decline. On the following photos, it is easy to see the pressure that humans exert on the Bwindi Forest. Right at the border of the park, everything has been destroyed to leave space for fields.
As it is the case for chimpanzees, a visit with the gorillas is accompanied by rangers, and only groups of gorillas habituated to human presence can be approached. Evidently, groups move around a lot and sometimes the hike to the group may take several hours; sometimes the gorillas are only 15 minutes away.
Here we are, an encounter with gorillas... An incredibly fascinating experience.
