Gorilla Vocalizations – Gorillas communicate in different ways, either through vocal or non-vocal methods. Gorilla vocalizations are the different ways gorillas communicate.
Gorillas share 98% of their DNA with humans, making them close cousins to humans, alongside bonobos and chimpanzees.
The different vocalizations made by gorillas are used to express their desires, emotions, and needs with each other or their environment.
These vocalizations can show either contentment or discontent and serve a purpose for all gorillas, from infants to silverbacks.
Some vocalizations are paired with actions, depending on the intensity.
A Brief Overview of Gorilla Vocalizations
- Belches: This is mostly started by silverbacks and followed by the rest of the family members. It sends a message of satisfaction between individuals.
- Laughing: This is produced when gorillas play games like wrestling, chasing each other, or tickling. It is often chuckles backed up by play. It is not heard during solitary play.
- Crying: This is only made by infants to show distress. The infants may need assistance, feel uncomfortable, or be separated from their mothers.
- Roaring: This is done by males. It is made when a male feels threatened or when a silverback is trying to threaten another silverback.
- Chest Beating: This is common during inter-group interactions or between a group of silverbacks and a lone silverback. Males can exchange chest beats from half a mile away.
Different Types of Gorilla Calls and Their Vocalizations
- Calls of Distress: These include whines and cries.
- Calls of Aggression: These include: roaring and growling.
- Panting Series (Mild Calls): These include: question barks and hiccup barks.
- Calls of Fear and Alarm: These include: silence, alarm barks and screams.
- Intergroup Communications: These include distinct hoot series.
- Miscellaneous Vocalizations: These include: chuckles, copulatory pants and whinnies
- Group Coordination Vocalizations: These come with minimal disturbance and include: pig grunts, hoot barks and belches.
There are 16 different types of vocalizations, according to studies, and about 8 categories.
