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Laswift tours and
Safaris Gorilla Information and Rules For those
planning on trekking Mountain Gorilla's in Uganda,
Rwanda or the D.R.Congo the following briefing
information would apply equally well in any of the 3
countries where you may trek Mountain Gorilla's.
Much of the extract
has been taken from the printed leaflet by the Uganda
Wildlife Authority 'Gorilla Rules' with additional
information added.
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HOW ARE YOU CONTRIBUTING
TO THE CONSERVATION OF THE MOUNTAIN GORILLAS:
The mountain
gorillas (Gorilla Gorilla Berengie), the world's most
endangered ape, is found only in small portions of
protected afro montane forests in northwest Rwanda,
southwest Uganda and eastern DRC. The mountain gorilla
is one of many species unique to these forests. The
forests are also home to many wonderful birds, primates,
large mammals, reptiles, insects and plants and also
ensure continued water and medical plant resources for
the local communities.
The mountain
gorillas are divided into two populations and current
figures estimate the total population to be about 600
individuals. One population is found in Bwindi
Impenetrable National Park (BINP), in S.W. Uganda,
covering about 330km2, and the ecologically homogenous
(salem flora and fauna), covering three contiguous
National Parks in three countries.; Mgahinga Gorilla
National Park in Uganda, Volcano National Park in Rwanda
and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of
Congo, covering an approximate total area of 300km2.
The threats to the
remaining gorilla population and its habitat are many.
One of these
threats is the possibility of disease transmission form
humans to gorillas and vice versa. In order to address
the issue of potential disease transmission to the
gorillas and to mitigate behavioural disturbances to
this fragile population, the gorilla rules have been
developed.
By following these
rules and through the purchase of the permit, YOU too
are contributing to the conservation of the mountain
gorilla. Uganda Wildlife Authority uses the funds
generated from the sale of this permit for the
management of the National Parks. A percentage of the
funds raised from Park entrance fees are also donated to
local communities living adjacent to the parks to
contribute to their development and improve natural
resource management in the region.
BEFORE DEPARTING ON YOUR
GORILLA TREK :
Always wash your
hands before you head out to the gorillas.
ON THE WAY TO THE
GORILLAS
-
A maximum
number of 6 visitors (8 in DR Congo and if trekking
one of the larger groups in Rwanda) may visit a
group of habituated gorillas in a day. This
minimizes behavioural disturbance to the gorillas
and the risk of their exposure to human-borne
diseases.
-
Please always
keep your voices low. You will then also be able to
observe the great bird life and other wildlife in
the forest.
-
DO NOT leave
rubbish in the park. Whatever you bring into the
forest should be carried back out with you.
-
You will be
taken to where the guides observed the gorillas the
day before. From there you will follow the gorilla's
trail to find them. Look out for the gorilla's
nesting sites along the way!
-
When you
approach the Gorillas, the guides will inform you to
get ready.
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WHEN YOU ARE WITH
THE GORILLAS :
-
A 5
meter distance should try to be observed at
all times (15 feet) from the gorillas. This
is to protect them from catching human
diseases.
-
You
must stay in tight group when you are near
the gorillas.
-
Keep
your voices down at all times. However, it
is OK to ask the guide questions.
-
Do not
eat or drink while you are near the
gorillas. Eating or drinking inevitably will
increase the risk of food/drink
morsels/droplets falling, which could
increase the risk of transmission of
diseases
-
Sometimes the gorillas charge. Follow the
guides example (crouch down slowly, do not
look the gorillas directly in the eyes and
wait for the animals to pass). Do not try
and take pictures and do not attempt to run
away. Running away will increase the risk.
-
Flash
photography is not permitted! When taking
pictures move slowly and carefully.
-
Do not
touch the gorillas. They are wild animals.
They might look cuddly but!!.
-
The
maximum time you can spend with the gorillas
is one hour. However, if the gorillas become
agitated or nervous, the guide will finish
the visit early.
-
After
the visit keep your voices down until you
are 200 metres from the gorillas.
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GENERAL HEALTH RULES :
-
Remember
gorillas are very susceptible to human diseases. The
following are ways to minimize the risk your visit
might poses to them:
-
Respect the
limits imposed on the number of visitors allowed
with the gorillas each day. This minimizes the risk
of disease transmission and stress to the group.
-
If you are
feeling ill, or you are carrying a contagious
disease, volunteer to stay behind. An alternate
visit will be arranged for you, or you will be
refunded your money.
-
If you feel the
urge to cough or sneeze when you are near the
gorillas, please turn your head away and cover your
nose and mouth in order to minimize the spread of
bacteria or viruses.
-
Always stay 5
metres (15 feet) away form the gorillas. The further
back you are, the more relaxed the group will be.
-
Do not attempt
to touch the gorillas.
-
Do not smoke,
drink or eat when you are with the gorillas.
-
Do not leave
any rubbish (eg. food wrappers) in the Park; foreign
items can harbor diseases or other contaminants.
-
If you need to
defecate, whilst in the forest, please ask the guide
to dig you a hole with his panga. Make sure the hole
is 30cms deep and fill it in when you are finished.
An essential
reference website for those planning to be part of a
visit to a Mountain Gorilla family should checkout
Berggorilla & Regenwald Direkthilfe (Mountain Gorilla &
Rain Forest Direct Help)
http://www.berggorilla.de (English language text
version also) Berggorilla & Regenwald Direkthilfe has
been dedicated to the conservation of gorillas,
especially the mountain gorillas, and their habitats
since 1982. |
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