UWA to Use Technology in Conserving the Endangered Mountain Gorilla in Uganda
Have you ever imagined exploring the extraordinary World of mountain Gorilla through the palm of your hand? The month of August will go into Uganda’s conservation books as one to remember, owing to the great initiative by the Uganda Wildlife Authority towards the conservation of endangered mountain gorillas in their Ugandan natural habitats. UWA officially unveiled the “My Gorilla Family App” as a way of adopting technology in creating sustainable non-trekking revenue sources to fund various conservation activities in the two National Parks (Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks) where the endangered mountain gorillas are found.
UWA to Use Technology in Conserving Mountain Gorilla
By installing the “My Gorilla Family App” gorilla lovers will be able to follow as many Gorilla Groups/Families as possible, follow day-to-day gorilla tours and family migrations through the unforgettable virtual trekking opportunity, get updates on newborn baby gorillas, birthdays, and even receive updates from Park Rangers who dedicate their lives and time in protecting these Giant Apes in their natural habitats.
This subscription-based App was developed by the “Home of a Gorilla” (HOG) Initiative (under the RoundBob/the Naturalist, a Ugandan conservation enterprise that actively participates in the protection of these Great Apes) in partnership with the Uganda Wildlife Authority. The App is available on Android and iOS devices and requires paying a monthly subscription of $2, which goes towards the conservation of the endangered Giant Apes. When nature lovers and conservationists take part in different gorilla conservation activities as well as livelihood change initiatives for the local communities living around Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks. These two Protected Areas are a haven for over half the World’s remaining mountain gorilla population and there is nothing more exciting than having updates on your favorite Gorilla Family.
Speaking during the launch, the Uganda Wildlife Authority Executive Director- Mr. Sam Mwandha pointed out that this great initiative is very timely, especially in the current digital communication era. “It is, therefore, time to utilize digital means in mobilizing resources for conservation while providing enjoyment to subscribers”, he added. It is UWA’s mandate to make sure that wildlife resources are sustainably managed. The Authority takes pride in its work with other conservation partners in achieving this mandate by creating resources that support the protection of wildlife while at the same time delivering unforgettable experiences to visitors and livelihood change to communities living around Protected Areas.
Additionally, the launch of the “My Gorilla Family App” is also a way of supporting the Uganda Wildlife Authority in educating local communities and well-wishers from all over the World about the undisputed value of conserving the iconic mountain gorillas, and ensuring their survival for generations.
About Gorilla trekking in Uganda
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda is done in two amazing places- the 331-square-kilometer Bwindi Impenetrable National Park as well as the 34-square-kilometer Mgahinga Gorilla National Park with over 50% of the World’s estimated 1080 mountain gorillas. These two Protected Areas have a combined 21 habituated gorilla families (20 in Bwindi and 1 in Mgahinga) hence over 168 gorilla permits are sold each day. This activity is only possible for travelers possessing valid gorilla permits that cost $700 per person for foreign non-residents, $600 per person for foreign residents, and Shs. 250,000 for East African residents.
Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda are only issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, and given the high demand for permits, it is always advisable to book these permits at least half a year before the intended trekking dates. For the perfect time to enjoy this activity, gorilla trekking adventures are open all year round.