There are two main species of gorilla, containing several subspecies. The western gorilla includes two subspecies (Western lowland gorilla with about 35,000 gorillas and Cross River with about 200) located in west and central Africa. The western lowland gorilla is the species commonly found in zoos. The eastern gorilla species includes the mountain gorilla (Virungas and Bwindi populations), as well as the Grauer's gorilla (eastern lowland) and is found in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The mountain gorilla is the smallest population, with about 380 in the Virungas and 320 in the Bwindi area. Recent estimates show the Grauer's gorilla population at about 5,000.
Because of the extensive gorilla research begun by Dr. Fossey and since carried on by the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, the mountain gorilla is perhaps the best understood of all gorillas. For more information about their lives, check out Gorilla Life Facts.
The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International closely monitors three groups of mountain gorillas in the Parc National des Volcans: Beetsme's group, Pablo's group, and Shinda's group. Staff of the Karisoke Research Center visit the mountain gorilla groups daily and report on their activities. Other gorilla groups designated for eco-tourism are also monitored on a more limited basis.
Please use the links below for more information about each of the following mountain gorilla groups:
Want to keep learning about mountain gorillas?
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