​How many gorillas are left in the wild?

​How many gorillas are left in the wild?

As per the latest gorilla population census conducted in 2024, only 320,000 total gorilla individuals are estimated to be remaining in the wild.

In contrast to the fact that other (most) gorilla species can survive in captivity such as zoos, it’s worth noting that mountain gorillas cannot.

Out of the 320,000 gorillas, over 316,000 of them are western gorillas and about just about 5,000 of them are eastern gorillas. ​

Much as the western gorilla population is the highest comprising majorly of the western lowland gorilla, this numberr is expected to greatly decline due to destructive human activities and behaviors such as habitat destruction and poaching. ​

The eastern gorilla species comprises of the beautiful, adorable and thick black-furred mountain gorilla sub specie and the grey-haired eastern lowland gorillas.

A group of mountain gorillas in Bwindi

Out of them all, Mountain gorillas have the lowest numbers, considered the most rewarding to trek however, their population has recorded an increase to about 1,063 individuals as of 2024, thanks to conservation efforts.

One of the main reasons why mountain gorillas are considered unique include; Their beautiful and thick fur, mountain gorillas can only live in mountainous areas and not found in the zoos.

In contrast, the eastern lowland gorillas have seen a significant decline in numbers, with an estimated total of just 5,000 individuals or fewer remaining in the wild. ​

Another subspecies, the Cross-River gorilla, a critically endangered subspecies known for being human unfriendly and the smallest subspecies records only a total of just 250 gorillas remaining in the wild. ​

Considering the numbers, it’s without a doubt that Conservation efforts must consistently continue if the number must increase.

How many mountain gorillas are left in the world?

As per the latest mountain gorilla population census conducted in the Congo, Uganda and Rwanda, just 1,063 (One thousand and sixty-three) estimated total was recorded.

Much as the number may seem low, mountain gorillas have recorded an increment in numbers since the last census.

Red listed by IUCN as critically endangered, your only destinations to sightsee mountain gorilla sin their natural habitat include; the Virunga Volcanoes in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda.

Gorilla numbers vs sub species.

Why are gorillas population reducing?

Habitat Loss

Since gorillas are generally huge in sizes, they require huge amount of vegetation to feed on a daily basis and therefor, they need large forested areas to survive but human activities such as logging, mining, and agriculture have destroyed much of their natural habitat – greatly affecting their population.

Other urbanization practices such as roads construction that cut through their territories, and once forests are fragmented, gorillas become easier targets for poachers and more vulnerable to human-wildlife conflict.

Poaching

In addition to habitat loss, poaching remains another big threat to these majestic primates. The locals in gorilla communities illegally hunt these gentle giants for bushmeat or captured for the exotic pet trade.

Poaching also affects them indirectly—snares set for other animals often injure or kill gorillas.

Much as the destination countries are imposing great laws against this practice, enforcement is weak in remote areas making this a great threat and setback to all conservations efforts.