Conservation + Tourism: Mountain Gorillas Making a Comeback in Uganda

Uganda’s efforts to protect one of its most iconic wildlife species—the mountain gorilla—are showing promising results. Conservation programs, tourism revenue sharing, and community engagement have combined to nurture a recovery, though increasing human pressures and habitat constraints pose serious challenges.

What We Know

The population of mountain gorillas in Uganda (and neighbouring Virunga region) has climbed from historically low numbers in the past to over 1,000 individuals across those regions.

Uganda currently hosts approximately half of all mountain gorillas in the wild, most of which are found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park; Mgahinga Park hosts fewer. There are 27 habituated gorilla groups in Bwindi.

Tourism is proving to be a critical lever: gorilla trekking permits (at high fees) not only generate revenue but also help discourage poaching. Local communities have benefited via jobs, revenue‑sharing, and roles as guides or protectors.

The Challenges

Habitat is constrained. Gorilla populations are largely restricted to national parks which are bordered by farmland, human settlements, and other forms of encroachment. Expansion of habitat is costly and logistically difficult.

As gorilla numbers rise, there is increasing risk of disease transmission from humans, especially where tourism is frequent or local community interactions are high.

Ecotourism dependency is both a strength and risk: if tourism drops (due to pandemics, security, policy changes, or poor infrastructure), funding for conservation may suffer.

Policy & Conservation Implications

Need to balance conservation with livelihoods: ensure that local communities who live near parks benefit materially, so they have incentives to protect rather than poach.

Expand or connect forest corridors, protect buffer zones, possibly acquire or set aside more land for habitat.

Strict health protocols for tourism to avoid disease spillover, maintenance of appropriate distance regulations, controlled numbers of tourists.

Why It Matters

Uganda’s mountain gorillas are not just biological treasures—they are key to tourism dollars, ecological balance, cultural identity, and international reputation.

Success in their conservation sets example for wildlife protection more broadly in Africa.

As climate change and human population pressures intensify, protecting species like gorillas becomes both more urgent and more difficult.