Why Mountain Gorillas and Chimpanzees Don’t Live Together

Though mountain gorillas and chimpanzees share many similarities, they do not live together in the wild. Both are large primates found in forested areas, and they share about 98% of their DNA with humans, which accounts for their intelligence and human-like behaviors. They are both herbivores, feeding on fruits, leaves, shrubs, and small insects.

Despite these similarities, there are notable differences between the two species. Mountain gorillas are much larger than chimpanzees, and chimpanzees often have a pinkish coloration that is absent in gorillas. Moreover, their natural habitats differ significantly, which is the main reason they do not co-exist.

Differences in Habitat

The primary reason mountain gorillas and chimpanzees do not live together is the type of forest they inhabit. Mountain gorillas thrive in high-altitude mountain forests, where cooler temperatures and dense vegetation suit their lifestyle. On the other hand, chimpanzees prefer moderately low-altitude, rainy forests, which provide the ideal environment for their daily activities. This difference in habitat prevents the two species from sharing the same space.

Scientific studies also offer additional explanations for their separation, but for the purposes of this discussion, habitat preference remains the most significant reason.

Primate Habitats in Uganda

Uganda is home to both mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, though in different locations. Mountain gorillas are primarily found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park. Chimpanzees, meanwhile, inhabit Kalinzu Forest, Budongo Forest, Ngamba Island, Kyambura Gorge, and most notably Kibale National Park.

Tourists visit these locations year-round to experience these primates in their natural habitats. Depending on the primate, visitors can participate in either mountain gorilla trekking or chimpanzee trekking experiences.

Trekking Experiences

Both trekking experiences involve entering the forest and searching for the primates. Once found, visitors spend one hour observing the animals before exiting the forest. Mountain gorilla treks generally take between five and nine hours, as gorillas reside in deeper, high-altitude areas, requiring more time to locate them. Chimpanzee treks are shorter, lasting around four to six hours, since chimpanzees stay in lower-altitude forests that are easier to navigate.

During these treks, participants must adhere to strict rules to protect both themselves and the primates. Key guidelines include maintaining a seven-meter distance, avoiding actions that could irritate the animals, refraining from littering, not using flash photography, not feeding the primates, avoiding direct eye contact, and not trekking while sick, especially if experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. Tour operators provide a full briefing on these rules before the trek.

Cost and Availability

In Uganda, mountain gorilla trekking costs approximately 800 USD per person, while chimpanzee trekking is around 250 USD. Both experiences are available throughout the year, offering travelers an opportunity to witness these incredible primates in their natural habitats.

By understanding the differences in habitat and behavior, visitors can better appreciate why mountain gorillas and chimpanzees do not share the same forests, despite their many similarities.