A recent survey shows the number of mountain gorillas is on the rise, giving hope to one of the world’s most endangered species.

The number of mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park shared by Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo has risen in recent years.

In a survey conducted by the International Gorilla Conservation Program and Uganda Wildlife Authority, the population in the UNESCO-designated world heritage site was found to have risen to 400 from 340 when the last census was completed five years ago.

"In 2010 there were only 480 mountain gorillas in the Virunga Massif which comprises the Buhahinga Gorilla National park in Uganda, the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and the Virunga National park in the DRC. And now the 400 which have been confirmed in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park which is entirely in Uganda brings the total to 880, this means that Uganda is a host to more than half the world's population of mountain gorillas," said Uganda tourism minister Maria Mutagamwa

Researchers say mountain gorillas are only found on the borders of Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, where they are confined to two forest blocks some 45 kilometres apart.

Uganda carried out a survey between September and October 2011.