How many mountain gorillas are left in the World; 2025 Updates
Discover how many mountain gorillas are left in the wild, their habitats, and conservation efforts to protect these endangered primates in Uganda, Rwanda, and the DRC.
As of the most recent estimates, the global mountain gorilla population stands at approximately 1,063 individuals in the wild, a figure derived from comprehensive surveys conducted in their two primary habitats: the Virunga Massif and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
This number reflects a remarkable conservation success story, given that the species was once teetering on the brink of extinction with as few as 254 individuals recorded in 1981.
To explore this topic in depth, we will examine the current mountain gorilla population status, the historical context of their decline and recovery, the challenges they continue to face, and the ongoing efforts to ensure their survival.
Drawing from a variety of sources, including conservation reports and scientific studies, we’ll unpack the complexities of this endangered subspecies’ journey and what it means for biodiversity in the modern world.
A brief overview of Mountain Gorillas and their natural habitats
Mountain gorillas are a subspecies of the eastern gorilla, found exclusively in two isolated regions of East Africa.
The first population inhabits the Virunga Massif, a range of extinct volcanic mountains spanning the borders of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rwanda, and Uganda.
The second resides in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, with some overlap into the adjacent Sarambwe Nature Reserve in the DRC.
These high-altitude forests, ranging from 1,500 to 4,500 meters above sea level, provide the specific ecological conditions—dense vegetation, cool temperatures, and abundant food sources—that mountain gorillas need to thrive.
Unlike their lowland relatives, mountain gorillas have thicker fur to withstand the chilly montane climate, a trait that underscores their adaptation to this unique environment.
Latest Mountain Gorilla Population
The latest population figure of 1,063 comes from surveys conducted in 2018, with results published in 2019 by organizations like the Greater Virunga Transboundary Collaboration and the International Gorilla Conservation Programme (IGCP).
In the Virunga Massif, the population has grown to 604 individuals, up from 480 in 2010, reflecting a steady increase over the past decade.
Meanwhile, the Bwindi-Sarambwe ecosystem is home to 459 gorillas, an increase from the 400 estimated in 2011.
These numbers are not mere statistics; they represent a rare glimmer of hope in the realm of conservation, where many species face relentless decline.
The mountain gorilla is currently the only great ape known to be increasing in number, a testament to decades of intensive protection efforts.
Mountain Gorilla Population Before Conservation
Historically, mountain gorillas faced a grim outlook. Discovered scientifically in 1902, their population suffered a steep decline throughout the 20th century due to a combination of human-induced threats.
Uncontrolled hunting, habitat destruction from agricultural expansion, and the capture of infants for the illegal pet trade decimated their numbers.
By the 1970s and 1980s, the situation was dire, with the Virunga population dropping to a low of 240-254 individuals.
Civil unrest in the region, particularly the Rwandan genocide in the 1990s and ongoing conflicts in the DRC, exacerbated these pressures, driving refugees and militias into gorilla habitats and leading to increased poaching and forest degradation. At one point, experts feared the species might vanish by the end of the century.
Dian Fossey and the Mountain Gorilla Conservation
The turnaround began with the pioneering work of primatologist Dian Fossey, who dedicated her life to studying and protecting mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.
Her efforts, though tragically cut short by her murder in 1985, laid the groundwork for modern conservation strategies.
Following her legacy, organizations like the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), Fauna & Flora International, and the African Wildlife Foundation joined forces with local governments to implement robust protection measures.
These included anti-poaching patrols, veterinary care for injured or sick gorillas, and community engagement programs to reduce human-wildlife conflict.
The establishment of national parks—Virunga, Volcanoes, Mgahinga, and Bwindi—provided legal sanctuaries, while ecotourism generated revenue to fund these efforts and support local communities.
The population growth observed today is a direct result of these interventions. In the Virunga Massif, the 26.3% increase from 2010 to 2016 (an average annual growth rate of 3.7%) highlights the effectiveness of daily monitoring and snare removal by park rangers.
In Bwindi, the rise from 400 to 459 individuals reflects similar dedication, though census methods have evolved to improve accuracy, incorporating genetic analysis of fecal samples to identify unique individuals.
This meticulous approach ensures that population estimates are as precise as possible, despite the challenges of tracking elusive, group-living animals in dense forests.
The fact that habituated gorilla groups—those accustomed to human presence through research and tourism—show higher survival rates further underscores the value of close protection.
Mountain Gorillas threats
Yet, this success is not without caveats. Mountain gorillas remain a conservation-dependent species, meaning their survival hinges on sustained human intervention.
Their habitat is finite, surrounded by some of Africa’s densest human populations, leaving no room for natural expansion.
As their numbers grow, so does population density, which brings new challenges. Studies, such as one published in 2021 by Klára J. Petrželková and colleagues, suggest that higher density correlates with increased susceptibility to parasitic infections like strongylids and tapeworms, potentially threatening long-term health.
Additionally, snares set for smaller game continue to ensnare gorillas, causing injuries or death, while climate change poses a risk by altering the montane ecosystems they depend on.
Human proximity also introduces the threat of disease transmission. Gorillas share 98% of their DNA with humans, making them vulnerable to pathogens like the common cold, pneumonia, or even Ebola, which have proven deadly in other gorilla populations.
The COVID-19 pandemic heightened these concerns, prompting temporary halts in tourism to minimize contact.
Ironically, tourism is a double-edged sword: it provides critical funding—Rwanda’s gorilla permits, priced at $1,500 each, generate millions annually, with 10% reinvested into local communities—but it also risks exposing gorillas to illness.
Conservationists have thus advocated for strict protocols, such as mask-wearing and maintaining distance, to balance economic benefits with gorilla safety.
The social dynamics of gorilla groups add another layer of complexity. Research from the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, published in 2022, indicates that as group density increases in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, female gorillas transfer between groups more frequently, sometimes leading to higher infant mortality and slower population growth.
This instability, observed particularly between 2007 and the early 2010s, has since eased as groups spread out, but it highlights the delicate balance between population growth and habitat constraints. With only about 340 square kilometers of protected forest across their range, mountain gorillas have nowhere else to go, making habitat preservation paramount.
Despite these challenges, the mountain gorilla’s story is one of resilience and collaboration. The IGCP, formed in 1991 by WWF, Conservation International, and Fauna & Flora International, exemplifies this spirit, uniting governments, NGOs, and local communities in a shared mission.
In Rwanda, community programs have built schools and water systems, reducing reliance on forest resources.
In the DRC, Virunga National Park’s rangers—over 170 of whom have died in the line of duty since the 1990s—continue their work amid ongoing conflict, supported by community trackers who monitor gorillas when ranger access is restricted.
Uganda’s efforts in Bwindi have similarly integrated conservation with community development, ensuring that humans and gorillas coexist more harmoniously.
Looking ahead, sustaining this progress requires vigilance. The IUCN downgraded the mountain gorilla’s status from Critically Endangered to Endangered in 2018, acknowledging the population increase, but threats like poaching, disease, and habitat pressure persist.
The 10 gorilla births recorded in Virunga in 2024 signal continued growth, yet the species’ total numbers remain small—about a third of the global population resides in Virunga alone.
Conservationists emphasize that complacency is not an option; the mountain gorilla’s fate depends on long-term commitment.
In conclusion, the 1,063 mountain gorillas left in the wild as of April 3, 2025, represent a triumph of human dedication over adversity.
From a low of 254 in 1981 to over 1,000 today, their recovery defies the odds in a region marked by conflict and ecological strain.
Yet, their future is far from secure. As a flagship species, their survival reflects broader efforts to protect biodiversity in the face of a rapidly changing world.
By continuing to invest in their protection—through science, community support, and sustainable tourism—we not only safeguard mountain gorillas but also uphold a model for conservation that could inspire hope for countless other endangered species.
Their story is a reminder that even in the darkest times, collective action can rewrite the narrative of loss into one of renewal.
