Do mountain gorillas live in families? Mountain gorillas live in family units called troops, which are led by a dominant male known as the dominant silverback. The silverback directs and coordinates all the activities of the family.
A gorilla family usually comprises 5 to 40 members. If there are multiple silverbacks in the family, they fight for dominance, and the strongest and bravest one becomes the leader.
The defeated silverbacks either remain in the group as subordinates or leave to live in solitude, where they may face loneliness or eventually form a new family to lead.
Members of a Gorilla Family
Inside a gorilla family, there are the following members:
- Dominant Silverback
- Black-backs
- Adult Females
- Female Juveniles
- Infants
- Other Silverbacks (if there are additional mature males)
Each member plays a significant role, especially the elders in the group.
Dominant Silverback
The dominant silverback is the leader of the group. His key roles include protecting the family, resolving conflicts within the group, and breeding with the females to ensure his genetics are passed on.
If infants lose their mothers, it is the dominant silverback’s responsibility to take care of them, nurture them, and increase their chances of survival by filling the gap left by their mothers.
Black-backs
Black-backs are younger males in the group, usually between 8 to 12 years old. They do not have the silver hair on their backs like the older silverbacks.
Their main role is to support the dominant silverback and help protect the group.
Adult Females
Adult females do not bond easily with one another and often compete for the attention of the dominant silverback.
When females give birth, they develop a strong bond with their infants during the first 3 to 4 years of the infants’ lives, providing nurturing and emotional support.
In most cases, only the dominant silverback is allowed to mate with the females in the group. However, if there are other silverbacks in the group, they may secretly mate with the females. If discovered, this is considered an offense and is heavily punished.
Gorilla Family Activities
Gorillas move from one place to another in search of food. Once they finish eating, they begin constructing their nests, where they will rest and sleep at night.
Gorilla families also mark their territories to avoid encounters with other families.
When a member of the family dies, gorillas mourn their loss and conduct funerals, much like humans.
Mountain gorillas live in families where a strict hierarchy is followed and respected. Each member has specific roles and responsibilities that contribute to the overall well-being of the family.
Just like humans, gorillas value family life and demonstrate strong social bonds.
