Do gorillas drink water? – Mountain gorillas are a subspecies of the Eastern gorilla and live in the tropical rainforests of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
These gorillas are found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Mountain gorillas are among the most endangered primates, with only about 1,063 individuals left in the wild. Their numbers are greatly affected by diseases, habitat destruction, and poaching.
Mountain gorillas live in highland areas at elevations ranging from 2,200 meters to 4,300 meters in the Virunga Mountains.
These great apes live in families or groups of 4 to 30 members, led by a dominant silverback. The dominant silverback is responsible for leading the group, making decisions, protecting the members, and mating with the females in the family.
Mountain gorillas feed on vegetation, including leaves, shoots, roots, bamboo, and fresh fruits, making them herbivorous animals. Males eat an average of 30 kg of vegetation daily, while females eat about 18 kg per day.
Mountain gorillas communicate through various vocalizations, such as grunts, barks, screams, and roars. These sounds serve different purposes, such as warning roars or vocalizations during social interactions within the group.
Physically, mountain gorillas are distinguished by their thick fur, which helps them survive in cold climates, and their unique nose prints, which are specific to each individual. Adult males typically stand at a height of about 171 cm, while adult females stand at about 160 cm.
Do Gorillas Drink Water?
Unlike many other wild animals, mountain gorillas do not drink water. This is because they spend most of their day eating green vegetation, which contains the moisture they need. They also consume morning dew found on plants, which further hydrates them.
Males eat up to 30 kg of vegetation daily, including stems, leaves, shoots, roots, and fresh fruits, all of which contain enough water to meet their hydration needs.
The best time to visit mountain gorillas is during the dry season, when the trails are dry. This is typically from June to September and December to February. However, mountain gorillas can also be visited during other seasons of the year.
Mountain gorillas do not drink water because the vegetation they eat provides all the water their bodies need for hydration. This adaptation allows them to stay fully hydrated while living in their natural environment.
