Mukiza Gorilla Group – A Gorilla Trekking Family in Ruhija Sector

Mukiza Gorilla Group is one of the gorilla families in Ruhija Sector of Bwindi that split away from Kyaguliro Gorilla Family near the same area.

At first, the Kyaguliro family had 21 members with 8 female adults all under the command of Rukina, a very humble dominant Silverback.  Rukina gave much of his time females and infants in the family whom he made very close to himself. The 29-year old Rukina died in 2015 after being at the helm of Kyaguliro leadership for about a decade.

During Rukina’s command of Kyaguliro group, he faced constant challenges from another grown-up silverback Mukiza who was always eager to take over the family leadership. Fortunately to Mukiza and unfortunately to the family, when Rukina died in 2015, it was good news for Mukiza who took over the command afterwards. However, Mukiza leadership didn’t last for long as a guest silverback, Rukara from Bitukura family come into the group probably upon knowing that the former head Rukina is no more and took over leadership. Rukara is still the head of the Kyaguliro. In the fraternity, it is rare for the two silverback to coexist in a single family and this was true with the Kyaguliro group. Mukiza decided to break away from the family and form his own named after his name.

In gorilla tourism, the splitting of gorilla families means good for the industry. This is because more groups mean more gorilla permits for the trekking visitors. And once male mountain gorillas live together in a family, as power may command, one silverback will suppress the rest to dominate the females giving other silverbacks no chance to mate. But once there is division of families, other males will get an opportunity to head families and produce more infants.

Other Gorilla Families in Ruhija Sector

Ruhija Sector is home to several gorilla families, in addition to the well-known Mukiza Gorilla group. These families are part of the park’s thriving mountain gorilla population, which is carefully protected and monitored. Here are some of the prominent gorilla groups in Ruhija Sector:

Oruzogo Gorilla Family

The Oruzogo Gorilla Family is one of the most famous families in the Ruhija Sector, named after the Oruzogo Valley, where they were first discovered. The family has about 20 members and is known for its vibrant dynamics, including playful young gorillas, which attract visitors. This family is led by a dominant silverback named Fajar. Fajar is known for his leadership skills, and his family is a symbol of success in gorilla conservation efforts. The Oruzogo family is often seen in the lush, misty forests of Ruhija, and they are a favorite among visitors for their active behavior and fascinating interactions.

Bitukura Gorilla Family

Another prominent gorilla group in Ruhija is the Bitukura Family. This group is well-known for being one of the few groups that include multiple silverbacks. It was the first gorilla family in Uganda to have multiple silverbacks living together peacefully. The Bitukura family has about 12 members and is led by the silverback, Ndahura, who is known for his intelligence and strategic leadership. The Bitukura family is often seen near the dense bamboo zones of the park, where the gorillas enjoy feeding on bamboo shoots and other vegetation. Their interactions, particularly between the different silverbacks, are an incredible sight for those interested in the social dynamics of gorillas.

Kyaguliro Gorilla Family

The Kyaguliro Family is another group within the Ruhija Sector, with a unique composition of members. This family is often considered to be a break-off group from the Bitukura family. It is a smaller group and is led by a silverback named Ruzina. Despite being smaller, the Kyaguliro family has a strong presence in the park, and visitors often appreciate the opportunity to observe the quieter, more intimate side of gorilla life. The family typically spends time in areas with rich vegetation, where they can forage for food like leaves, roots, and fruits.

Conservation and Tourism Importance

The families in Ruhija, like all mountain gorillas in Bwindi, benefit from the rigorous conservation efforts in place. Guided tours allow tourists to trek into the dense forest and observe the gorillas in their natural habitat. These gorilla families play a significant role in ecotourism and have contributed to the success of gorilla conservation efforts.

The revenue generated from gorilla trekking helps fund anti-poaching measures, habitat restoration, and community-based projects around the park. Each family offers a unique experience for trekkers and researchers alike, showcasing the diverse behaviors, relationships, and dynamics that make mountain gorillas such a captivating subject of study.