Comprehensive Guide to Silverbacks In Gorilla Families in Bwindi & Volcanoes
Comprehensive List of Silverbacks In Gorilla Families; Gorillas thrive in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a vast expanse of low montane rainforest situated in the southwestern region of Uganda. Bwindi Forest National Park is divided into four regions: Rushaga, Buhoma, Ruhija, and Nkuringo. Each of these sectors is home to mountain gorillas, with every gorilla family being habituated and available for visits by groups of up to 8 people.
A gorilla family and its members are always accompanied and overseen by a silverback who embodies the essence of leadership strength. Here is a list of Silverbacks In Gorilla Families who stand strong to lead and safeguard their family.
The Mwirima-Rushegura Family
The Buhoma region is home to the Rushegura family, which broke away from the Habinyanja family in 2002 under the silverback Mwirima, brother of the former Habinyanja silverback Rwansigazi. Mwirima led the group for many years, and leadership has since passed to the current dominant silverback, Kabukojo.
Mugurisi-Habinyanja Family
Mungurisi was a silverback guiding the Habinyanja family, his name translating to ‘old man’ in the local Bakiga language. When Rwansigazi relinquished his leadership skills, Makara the Dominant silverback ascended to the role of leader.
Ruhondeza-Mubare Gorilla Family
The Mubare family in the Buhoma sector, Uganda’s first ever habituated gorilla group, was guided by Ruhondeza until his death from old age in 2012, when leadership passed to his son, Kanyonyi. Kanyonyi led the family until November 2017, when he was fatally challenged by a formerly solitary silverback named Maraya, who has led the Mubare family ever since.
Ndahura – Bitukura Gorilla Family
In the Ruhija sector, the Bitukura Gorilla family thrives under the leadership of Ndahura, who has bravely stepped into the role after Karumazi, the aging silverback, could no longer guide the group. Ndahura is the one who brings joy to the family.
Tebirikwata – Oruzongo Gorilla Family
The Oruzongo Gorilla family is guided by Tebirikwata, one of the oldest gorillas, who oversees a lively group of 25 members. His energetic and playful nature brings a vibrant spirit to the family.
Zeus and Rukina-Kyaguriro Family
Zeus and Rukina are the noted silverbacks in the Kyaguriro family, though Zeus faced exile in the forest at the hands of Rukina and ultimately met his end there.
Rukina, who eventually succumbed to the passage of time, has left the family of Kyaguriro under the leadership of a formidable silverback named Rukara, who commands the loyalty of 15 family members.
Rafiki & Safari – Nkuringo Family
The Nkuringo Gorilla family takes its name from a legendary silverback who passed away in 2004 and was succeeded by his sons Rafiki (meaning friend in Kiswahili) and Safari. Rafiki went on to lead the family for over a decade and became one of Uganda’s best-known gorillas, but was killed by a poacher in June 2020, an event that drew international attention to anti-poaching efforts in Bwindi. Leadership passed to two young blackbacks, brothers Rwamutwe and Tabu, who matured into silverbacks; the family is now led by Rwamutwe, with Tabu as second-in-command.
Mishaya – Mishaya Clan
When one embarks on a journey to encounter the Mishaya gorilla family, originally led by the silverback named Mishaya during its habituation, the family is now under the leadership of Mwine, the current silverback.
Nshongi – Nshongi Clan
In this vibrant sector, we encounter the habituation family of ‘Nshongi,’ which was the largest habituated gorilla group in the world at 36 members when opened for trekking in 2009. It has since split twice, forming the Mishaya and Bweza families, and continues today under its founding silverback, Nshongi.
Gwigi & Busingye – Kahungye clan
Silverback Gwigi and Busingye are the silverbacks of the Kahungye family, one of the prominent families in the Rushaga sector, where they have taken charge, guiding a remarkable group of 27 members.
Bwindi forest is home to a remarkable roster of 20 silverbacks, including those at the forefront and the established leaders who have guided their family members through the wild.