These species of gorillas are the largest primates in the world. There are mainly two types that is the western and eastern gorillas and both have two subspecies. The western lowland gorillas and Cross River gorillas are subspecies of western gorillas, while the eastern lowland gorillas and mountain gorillas represent subspecies of eastern gorillas.
There are only 800 mountain gorillas left in the wild, the mountain gorillas of Africa are critically endangered. Countries which have these animals include Uganda which provides refuge to half of these groups of mountain gorillas. These are also found in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Lowland gorillas on the other hand fare a little better, but barely so. There are an estimated 3,000 eastern lowland gorillas and 90,000 western lowland gorillas inhabiting just a few small areas across Central and East Africa.
Gorillas inhabit tropical forests in the central, eastern and western parts of Africa. They search for food during the day and sleep in the nests on the ground and in the trees during the night. Thanks to the accelerated habitat loss, uncontrolled killings (because of their meat and body parts), diseases and civil wars, nearly all types of gorilla are endangered or critically endangered.
Gorilla Habitat
The two types of gorillas that is the eastern lowland gorillas can be
found in the lowland tropical forests, while western lowland gorilla inhabits
tropical forests and swamps on the lower and higher altitudes of up to 8.000
feet. The Mountain gorillas usually reside on the rocky slopes of dormant
volcanoes and in the cloud forests on an altitude of between 7.200 to 14.100
feet.
Gorilla Size
These gorillas are between 4 to 6
feet tall. These mountain gorillas are between the size of eastern lowland
gorilla, that can reach around 450 pounds of weight and western lowland gorillas
that usually weighs between 150 and 400 pounds.
Gorilla Coat
These gorillas both subspecies of
western gorillas have dark brown or black coats, while eastern lowland gorilla
have light colored, brownish gray coats.
The sexually mature males of both
species can be recognized by the silvery white fur on the back hence the
nickname "silverback". The fur of the mountain gorillas is longer and
shaggier compared with the fur of lowland gorillas which is much shorter and
softer.
Gorilla Communications Groups
The western lowland gorillas live in
smaller groups of between 4 to 8 members
compared with mountain and eastern lowland gorillas which are usually part of a
larger group of up to 30 members. Mountain gorillas emit strong odor from the
glands under their arms when they are under stress. This type of signaling is
not typical for lowland gorillas. Besides via sense of smell, gorillas also
communicate via various sounds, facial expressions and body postures.
Gorilla Diet
Both of these sub-types of gorillas
are herbivores. The western lowland gorillas consume leaves, vines, stems,
roots and around 100 different types of fruit, The insects and small reptiles
are also occasionally on the menu. The diet of mountain gorillas are more
strictly based on plant material such as leaves, shoots, stems, flowers and
bark from the trees.
Gorilla Behavior
The western lowland gorilla is a peaceful,
non-aggressive animal which does not attack unless it is provoked. The Fights
inside the group is usually a consequence of competition for dominant positions
in a troop and opportunity for mating with females. The mountain gorilla on the
other hand is a shy and gentle creature but the females often form strong bonds
with males in the group to ensure protection against predators and infanticide.
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