![]() ![]() They are the most common gorilla to see on a gorilla trek as they are found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Virunga Mountains. ![]() They are often caught or hurt by snares meant for other wildlife. The Mountain gorilla is primarily found in the high mountains of the Congo basin. The park has been invaded by poachers in the past, however, through much work and help from the World Wildlife Foundation (WWF) and other organizations, the park staff has been working towards gaining control. The largest population is found in Kahuzi-Biega National Park. The Eastern lowland gorilla is found in the DRC. It is recommended that you join a reputable tour operator when trekking for gorillas for a number of reasons including the safety of you and the gorillas. They prefer tropical and sub-tropical forests. Gorillas are found only in Central Africa including Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Cameroon. The Cross River gorilla is listed as Critically Endangered. They have been largely impacted by human interference including poaching and habitat loss. The Cross River gorilla looks similar to the Western lowland gorilla, with the exception of a subtle difference in its skull and tooth dimensions. They are listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. In the last 20-25 years, the populations of Western lowland gorillas have declined nearly 60% due to poaching. They have wider skulls, smaller ears, and more pronounced brow bones than other species. They are smaller in size than the other gorillas and have a greyish-brown fur and auburn chests. The Western lowland gorilla is the most populous of the gorilla species. Mountain gorillas are listed as Endangered in part due to humans moving into their habitats forcing them into higher elevations and more dangerous conditions. They range in size between 4 and 5.5 feet with weights up to 440 lbs. ![]() The Mountain gorilla has thicker fur due to their preferred habitats in higher elevations. Eastern lowland gorillas are listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. When standing they reach heights of up to 5.5 feet and weigh up to 440 lbs. ![]() They have stocky bodies, short muzzles, and large hands. The Eastern lowland gorilla is the largest of the four species. How can you tell the difference between the different gorilla species? They may sometimes eat other foods like insects. Gorillas primarily feed on stems, bamboo shoots, fruit, and bark making them mostly herbivores. The group sizes vary between 5 and 50 or more members. They have fairly well developed social structures and family groups. A group of gorillas generally will include one silverback and multiple females and offspring. Adult males are referred to as “silverbacks” due to the silvery coloured hair along their backs. The male gorilla reaches sexual maturity around the age of 15 while female gorillas start reproducing around 7 or 8 years of age. Gorillas can live up to 40 years in the wild. They are each part of the Homindae family which shares 97% or more of their DNA with each other and humans! Gorillas are considered Great Apes along with other species including orangutans, bonobos, and chimpanzees. The Western species include the Western Lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) and the Cross River Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla diehli). The Eastern species include the Eastern Lowland gorilla (Gorilla beringei graueri) and the Mountain gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei). They are divided into two species, Eastern and Western, and then each is divided into two subspecies. Aside from humans, gorillas are the largest living primates in the world. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |