Mountain Gorilla Predators – Mountain gorillas are found in three African countries: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In Uganda, they are found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
In Rwanda, they are found in Volcanoes National Park, and in the Democratic Republic of Congo, they are found in Virunga National Park. Just like humans, mountain gorillas also have enemies despite their massive size.
In the jungles where they thrive, they are greatly threatened by various natural predators. When you encounter mountain gorillas in the jungle, you may think that these apes cannot be threatened considering their massive bodies.
However, the truth is that mountain gorillas have predators that threaten them in their natural habitat.
Although mountain gorillas are humble primates, their survival remains threatened as they are few creatures with very low reproduction rates.
Top Predators that Threaten Mountain Gorillas
Below are the top predators that threaten mountain gorillas.
- Humans: Humans have become a significant threat to mountain gorillas due to the numerous activities they carry out. People have constantly changed the environment for various reasons such as agriculture, illegal hunting, and wars. Some of these activities lead to climate change, which is a major threat to mountain gorilla habitats. Humans also spread diseases to mountain gorillas since these primates share 98% of their genetic DNA with humans. People poach gorillas for bushmeat, to keep them as pets in private zoos, and for traditional medicine, believing some body parts of mountain gorillas can be used as charms. Additionally, gorillas sometimes die from traps set for other animals like antelopes.
- Leopards: Leopards are one of the main predators of mountain gorillas in the wilderness. They are very intelligent and, as carnivorous animals, they can kill an adult mountain gorilla. Their ability to climb trees makes it difficult for mountain gorillas to be safe, even when they try hiding in trees. Leopards, being tree-climbing predators, take advantage of this to attack mountain gorillas, especially at night when they are unaware. Leopards normally target young mountain gorillas rather than adult silverbacks, but they can steadily hunt down the western lowland gorillas.
- Crocodiles: Crocodiles are also predators of mountain gorillas. Although mountain gorillas rarely drink water, crocodiles usually wait for them on water banks during the rare occasions when they go to drink water and lay an attack on them. Sometimes, they wait for them in wetlands and attack them from there.
How Mountain Gorillas Defend Themselves from Predators
Mountain gorillas make alarms to alert the rest of the family members about any likely danger or predators.
They all gather near the silverback, their leader, for defense.
The dominant silverback gorilla protects the group members from any attacks by predators.
The silverback confronts the intruder while displaying tactics to show strength and scare them away.
Standing on his two legs, the silverback beats his chest with both hands and roars to show the enemy his massive size and strength.
The black-backs help to gather and lead others away from the enemy as they prepare to attack.
Predators, in most cases, do not confront the powerful silverback in fear that he can cause harm with his canine teeth, so they opt to walk away.
In conclusion, mountain gorillas are greatly threatened by various natural predators, including humans and other wild animals.
Despite their humble and gentle nature, mountain gorillas have enemies that pose danger to them in their natural habitat.
The dominant silverback plays a crucial role in protecting the family by deterring enemies.
