How Many Gorillas are Left, Mountain Gorilla Population 2026

The global mountain gorilla population has recovered to over 1,063-1,080 individuals as of 2025-2026, up from fewer than 400 in the 1980s. These endangered apes are found in two main populations: the Virunga Massif (604+ individuals) and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (459+ individuals), living across Rwanda, Uganda, and the DRC.

How Many Gorillas are Left in the world – mountain gorilla numbers grow to more than 1,000.

Only the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda and the Virunga Massif, a range of volcanoes spanning 174 square miles across Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, are home to the endangered mountain gorilla.

Survey crews searched the deep, hilly forests of the Virunga Massif for the great apes in two sweeps in 2015 and 2016. 604 gorillas were counted, an increase from just 480 in 2010, according to the Greater Virunga Transboundary Collaboration, which organized these surveys.

How Many Gorillas are Left in the world

It was previously predicted that mountain gorillas might become extinct by the year 2000. But as of right now, there are more than 1,000 in the wild. Bas Huijbregts, WWF’s director for African species conservation, calls this “great news.” “It’s because the three countries and their partners have worked together on conservation projects for decades. They have provided us with a blueprint for restoring the priceless biodiversity of our world.

The greatest threats to the existence of apes include human development, sickness, illegal snares that are meant to kill wild antelope but can also kill gorillas, and, more and more, the effects of climate change on their natural environment.

The International Gorilla Conservation Programme, or IGCP, is a joint initiative of WWF and Fauna & Flora International, as well as Partners in Conservation at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, and a number of other organizations, that supported the census. Together with the IGCP, WWF works to protect the species’ various dangers as well as the forest habitat.


Best Gorilla Tours in Africa

The best gorilla tours in Africa primarily take place in Uganda and Rwanda, as they offer the safest and most reliable experiences to see endangered mountain gorillas. While the Democratic Republic of Congo also has gorillas, travel there is currently not recommended due to political instability.

Wild mountain gorilla numbers grow to more than 1,000

Gorilla Trekking Africa
Only in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo can you find these magnificent animals, and they call four national parks their home: Bwindi Impenetrable, Mgahinga Gorilla, Volcanoes, and Virunga. Our Luxury gorilla trekking tours Africa provide a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see these majestic creatures in their native tropical and subtropical forest habitat.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Kisoro

Luxury Gorilla Trekking Uganda
Luxury gorilla trekking Uganda generally includes upscale lodgings, exclusive transportation, and customized routes to enrich the experience of hiking mountain gorillas in their natural environment. These safaris frequently encompass excursions to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, renowned for their gorilla populations and distinctive terrains.

Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Luxury Gorilla Trekking Rwanda
Luxury Gorilla Trekking Rwanda | Volcanoes National Park for High-end/VIP Travellers. Luxury Rwanda Gorilla Trekking for superb Lifetime experiences with the Mountain Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda. Gorilla Safaris in Rwanda are full of ecstasy, elegance, and comfort. Luxurious hotels with no doubt add a special treatment to your Gorilla holiday making the safari more enjoyable. Imagine going Luxury Gorilla trekking and returning to a very serene and Luxury accommodation for relaxation.