The main reason Why Mgahinga Has Only 01 habituated Gorilla Family is its size. With only an area of 33.9 km2 (13.1 sq. mi) – about the size of the city of Berlin, Massachusetts, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the smallest National Park in Uganda.
The reason why Mgahinga Has Only 01 habituated Gorilla Family
Given the fact that Mountain Gorilla home ranges extend to about 30 sq. km of space for a family. The size of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (33.9 km2 (13.1 sq mi) is just enough space for only 01 gorilla family. If another family joined/sprouted, there would be a big fight that would result in the loser family moving location elsewhere into the large block of adjacent/neighboring Volcanoes National Park.
About the 01 habituated gorilla group in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
The Nyakagezi gorilla Group is the only habituated gorilla family in Mgahinga National Park. For a Long time, this family kept wandering into Rwanda and Congo up until 2012 when the family finally settled in Uganda. From then, UWA and tour operators have been able to reliably sell guaranteed tours and permits to see this family.
The Nyakagezi gorilla group is made up of 10 individual gorillas; 05 silverbacks, 02 adult females, 02 juveniles, and 01 infant who subscribe to the leadership of Silverback Mark. Gorilla Trekking In Mgahinga Gorilla Park up until 2012 had been unreliable as the mountain gorillas of Mgahinga often travel across the borders of Uganda into the Democratic Republic of Congo, and or Rwanda – these three countries share the Virunga Moutain (also Known as the Mufumbiro Mountains) which are the habitat of the last remaining mountain gorilla Population. Of the three countries; Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo, Uganda & Rwanda remain the only Safe place to trek Mountain Gorillas – DR. Congo still has ongoing civil war unrest.
Learn More about Why Congo is Not Safe for Gorilla Trekking.
