The Mountain Gorilla, A Unique Primate

There are many species of animals that are worth talking about. But some have a unique natural history and relationship with man. They strongly call our attention. Without a doubt, the mountain gorilla is one of them.

The mountain gorilla: the origin

Before starting to discover together this incredible primate ( Gorilla beringei beringei ), it is right to say a few words about its taxonomy. The term “gorilla” includes two animal species:

• the western gorilla , with the two subspecies lowland gorilla and Cross River gorilla;
• the eastern gorilla , with the subspecies lowland gorilla and mountain gorilla.

We will deal with the latter in our article. The mountain gorilla is therefore a subspecies of the eastern gorilla. Currently there are only two wild populations. One is located in the ancient Virunga Mountains while the other is located in Bwindi Forest, Uganda.

After the arrival in Europe of many skulls that allowed their classification, at the end of the 18th century, the naturalist Carl Akeley convinced Albert, King of Belgium, to build a camp in the Virunga Mountains. George Schaller then started the first studies dedicated to this species, paving the way for the legendary Dian Fossey. Thanks to the extreme sacrifice of this American zoologist, the mountain gorillas were saved from extinction.

Why is the mountain gorilla unique?

Due to the fact of having thicker and longer fur, of greater density than other gorillas, this primate is really particular. Fossey’s writings show that these animals lived in impenetrable jungles surrounded by thick fog. For millennia they have managed to escape the threatening gaze of Western civilization.

This totally isolated species has suffered from inbreeding for thousands of generations, which is often very damaging to wild animal populations. The constant crossing with specimens having similar genes, can make the new generations weaker in the face of sudden changes in the climate or particularly prone to certain diseases.

Furthermore, endogamy produces the appearance of genetic pathologies and even malformations. Dian Fossey herself recorded in her notebooks that they distinguished lineages of gorillas from deformations. Like the presence of six fingers in the hands, a clear sign of the genetic cost of this life spent in complete isolation.

The price of mountain gorillas’ fame

This species was on the verge of extinction, but the environmental efforts of Dian Fossey and other scientists led to the population doubling. Despite this, the danger is still very high, and a veterinary team, known as gorilla doctors, is constantly taking care of these animals.

The life of Dian Fossey and his courageous story made the mountain gorillas end up in the spotlight of the world. Today there is a certain tourist market dedicated to them, which means that the gorillas not only have veterinary care, but also many cameras that film them and testify to their importance. With the higher proceeds you can protect them more completely. The only problem is the possible human diseases that gorillas are vulnerable to. Contact with tourists increases this possibility, due to the strong desire to know these incredible gorillas.

This peculiar way of preserving nature has meant that some tourists violently reject the measures provided. However, gorillas adopt an absolutely peaceful attitude and rarely feel threatened by humans. Even if they are dozens of curious eyes, armed with all kinds of cameras, cine cameras and mobile phones. Park guards are trained to assist groups and intervene if necessary.

The legacy of Dian Fossey

When the American zoologist began studying these animals, she realized they were on the verge of extinction. Poaching, show hunting (fashionable in America and Europe), clashes with local populations and habitat loss threatened to make these fascinating mountain gorillas disappear from the face of the earth.

For this reason, he did not just study the species. He created a guardhouse that is in charge of patrolling, controlling and defending these primates from cruel men. Those who hunt them for their meat or to display them as trophies. They are also engaged in the removal of traps and poisons. Fortunately, today they can count on a greater share of habitat,  internationally protected. But this woman, who was killed by those who hate gorillas and nature, above all had the ability and strength to teach the world the importance of protecting the environment.