Status: Critically Endangered
Scientific Name: Gorilla beringei beringei
Number Left: Around 800
Size: Up to 400 pounds
As their name implies, mountain gorillas live high in the mountains of Africa, specifically the Congo Basin, in elevations of 8,000 to 13,000 feet.
Deforestation and growing human population are threatening the mountain gorilla. Though they have thick fur - more than other great apes - to help them survive cold and extreme weather, they are being forced to spend more time in higher elevations due to humans moving into their territory, thus putting them into more dangerous situations.
But there is some good news! Despite a bleak outlook for mountain gorillas in recent decades, recent conservation efforts have turned things around for the gorillas. However, more work is needed to be done to ensure their continued success.
General
Mountain Gorilla
posted: 11/30/15
Last Refuge/Getty Images
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Mountain Gorillas
In this clip from "Planet's Best Safaris" on Animal Planet, we observe as the Mountain Gorillas go about their daily lives until one great ape decides to investigate his audience further.
Mountain Gorillas in the News
How You Can Help:
- World Wildlife Fund: Learn more about Mountain Gorillas, conservation efforts, and what you can do to help ensure the species' survival
- African Wildlife Foundation: Find out how you can directly contribute to the conservation of Mountain Gorillas.
