In November 2018, the IUCN Red List moved the mountain gorilla from Critically Endangered to Endangered, after censuses showed the population had grown to just over 1,000 animals, from about 250 in the Virunga volcanoes in 1981. It was one of the rare cases of a great ape improving in status. The change reflects decades of ranger protection, veterinary care, community programmes and tourism income in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. Mountain gorillas remain endangered, however, and the eastern gorilla species as a whole is still Critically Endangered because of the decline of Grauer’s gorilla.
What the numbers showed
A census of the Virunga Massif in 2015–2016 counted 604 gorillas, and with the Bwindi population the total passed 1,000. A later census of Bwindi and the neighbouring Sarambwe reserve counted 459, bringing the total to around 1,063. Census methods now combine nest counts with genetic analysis of dung, giving more reliable figures than before. See our guide to how many mountain gorillas are left.
Why the population grew
Daily ranger patrols and monitoring of every habituated family, snare removal, veterinary treatment by Gorilla Doctors, and cooperation across the three countries all played a part. Gorilla tourism made protection financially viable, with permits, now US$800 in Uganda, or US$600 in April, May and November, funding park management, and revenue sharing gave communities a stake in conservation. See our guides to Gorilla Doctors and conservation organisations.
Why the work is not finished
Just over 1,000 animals in two isolated populations is still very small. Disease from humans, snares, conflict in eastern Congo, climate change and pressure on park boundaries remain real threats, and a single outbreak or crisis could reverse gains. The IUCN noted that the improvement depends on conservation continuing. See our guide to conservation challenges today.
Frequently asked questions
In November 2018, from Critically Endangered to Endangered.
Yes, they are listed as Endangered.
Because Grauer’s gorilla, the other subspecies, has declined sharply.
Just over 1,000, in the Virungas and Bwindi.
