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Global Animal Guide

Where Do Mountain Gorillas Live?

Quick answer

Mountain Gorillas are native to Africa. Montane cloud forests of the Virunga volcanoes (Rwanda, Uganda, DRC) and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in southwestern Uganda — fewer than 1,100 individuals in two isolated populations.

By the Global Animal Guide editorial team Last reviewed How we research & review

Native range

Montane cloud forests of the Virunga volcanoes (Rwanda, Uganda, DRC) and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in southwestern Uganda — fewer than 1,100 individuals in two isolated populations.

Continents and countries

Mountain Gorillas occur across Africa. Local populations depend on intact habitat, prey or food plants, and freedom from persecution.

Habitat types

Montane and bamboo cloud forests at 2,200–4,300 m elevation provide shelter and feeding grounds. Seasonal movement may follow rains, prey migrations, or breeding cycles.

Range changes

Historic range may exceed current distribution. Habitat loss, hunting, and climate shifts continue to affect where mountain gorillas persist today.

FAQs

Where do mountain gorillas live in the wild?

Montane cloud forests of the Virunga volcanoes (Rwanda, Uganda, DRC) and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in southwestern Uganda — fewer than 1,100 individuals in two isolated populations.

What do mountain gorillas eat?

They feed on herbivore — leaves, shoots, stems, fruit, and bark, varying by season and local habitat.

Are mountain gorillas endangered?

Mountain Gorillas are listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.

How big is a mountain gorilla?

Adults weigh about 180 kg and reach roughly 1.7 m long.

Sources

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