Eastern lowland gorilla
Eastern lowland gorillas are a subspecies of the Eastern gorilla and they are habited in Democratic Republic of Congo in Kahuzi Biega National park and Maiko National park.
The Eastern lowland gorillas are critically endangered just like the Mountain gorillas and currently there are about 6000 gorilla individuals remaining in the wild.
The factors why Eastern lowland gorillas are endangered are, poaching , habitat destruction and diseases.
Eastern lowland gorillas are the bulkiest gorilla species in the wild with a male adult gorilla weighing about 150kg to 200kg and a female adult gorilla weighing about 80kg to100kg .
The physical characteristics of Eastern lowland gorillas are dark and shorter fur compared to that of mountain gorillas , have large hands , bulky skulls , long arms among others.
Eastern lowland gorillas live in families or groups of between 4 to 30 members headed by a dominant silverback who makes all family decisions , mates with females in the family , and protects the family from enemies.
A female eastern lowland gorilla begins to give birth at the age of 8 years or more . Their gestation period is 8.5 months and the female can sty for about 4 years until it gives birth again.
Eastern lowland gorillas are herbivores implying that they feed on vegetation such as roots, shoots, leaves, and small fruits .
An adult can eat up to 18kg of vegetation per day.
Eastern lowland gorillas live in the tropical rainforests of Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo in both lowlands and mountainous parts.
Trekking Eastern lowland gorillas
Eastern lowland gorillas are found in Kahuzi Biega National park in Democratic Republic of Congo . The park is found in the eastern part of Congo .
Trekking these gorillas starts very early in the morning with a briefing at the park headquarters . Later tourists are grouped into groups of 8 people and led to the dense forest to search for these gigantic apes.
Tourists are required to secure their permits as early as possible to have a better trekking experience . An Eastern lowland gorilla permit in Congo costs about USD 450.
Eastern lowland gorilla trekking is not so popular as compared to mountain gorilla trekking because;
Mountain gorillas are the most endangered and the need to conserve them makes them popular .
Eastern lowland gorillas also live in remote areas of Congo which is difficult to access them.
Best time to visit Eastern lowland gorillas
Eastern lowland gorillas can be visited any time of the year although the dry season is the best time. This is because in the dry season the steep slopes are dry for easy passage and this offers a better trekking experience .
The dry months are June to September and December to February.
Facts about Eastern lowland gorillas
Eastern lowland gorillas are known as the largest gorilla subspecies in the world in terms of size.
There are about 6000 gorilla individuals left in the wild
Eastern lowland gorillas are identified by the unique folding of their skin around the nose called nose prints.
In conclusion , Eastern lowland gorillas are great apes that blend with nature thus offering a great time when trekking them.
