Nshongi Gorilla Group in Rushaga
Nshongi Gorilla Group is a gorilla family found in the Rushaga trekking sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The family derives its name from the name of a river that is near where the group was first seen by the trackers and rangers. The river is characterized by sharp colour like that of honey. Honey in the local Rukiga language is known as “Omushongi Gwoboki” (the honey of bees). This river was is called Nshongi River. Because the gorillas of the group was seen near it, they came to name it Nshongi Gorilla Family.
The habituation of Nshongi group commenced at the beginning of 2007 and lasted for two and half years. After a thorough habituation of the gorillas, the family was unveiled officially for trekking in September 2009. This group is among the biggest gorilla families in Bwindi with about 36 members. The gorilla unit silverbacks plus black backs are known to dwell in peace together. The group has 3 silverback and 7 black backs living together. And surprisingly, the dominant silverback, Nshongi is not the oldest in the family.
Nshongi group with 36 individuals is among the biggest forilla families Rushaga and Bwindi at large to be habituated. However, the number of gorillas in the group at times changes due to rare death cases, new entrants and well as others leaving the family.
Bwindi impenetrable forest national park together with Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are the two forests where mountain gorillas in Uganda live.
In July 2010, Nshongi group split into two families where the Nshongi group remained with 26 individuals comprising of 4 silverbacks. The 10 members which left the family formed Mishaya gorilla family and was named after its dominant silverback Mishaya.
Related Gorilla Families in Rushaga Sector of Bwindi