Mountain gorilla diet (How does a mountain gorilla get its food) – Mountain gorillas are a subspecies of the Eastern gorilla found in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. They live in tropical rainforests at altitudes between 8,000ft and 13,000ft.
The physical characteristics of mountain gorillas include darker, thick fur, a broad head, a flat nose, large teeth, and large hands and feet.
The diet of mountain gorillas is 90% vegetation, which includes plant leaves, stems, seeds, shoots, roots, flowers, and fruits, along with invertebrates such as small insects and snails.
Mountain gorillas spend most of their day eating, which helps them stay strong as they move. They do not drink water because the vegetation they eat contains enough water to keep them hydrated.
Mountain gorillas require a lot of food to survive in their habitats, which is why they feed throughout the day. An adult male mountain gorilla can eat up to 30kg of vegetation daily, while an adult female can eat up to 18kg per day.
So how does a mountain gorilla get its food?
Mountain gorillas use their strength to break apart the vegetation they want to eat. Their teeth and hands help them access the specific parts of plants they wish to consume.
Eating Habits of Gorillas
Mountain gorillas spend their entire day searching for food and eating. They wake up early in the morning and are led by a silverback to the best feeding places.
Mountain gorillas are very conservative in their eating habits. For example, when they eat the leaves of a plant, they do not eat its roots. Instead, they move to another place to eat roots, which helps preserve vegetation.
Mountain gorillas do not feed in one area for long. They keep moving from one area to another, allowing vegetation to regrow.
Eating Times of Mountain Gorillas
Mountain gorillas have two main eating periods during the day:
- Morning: Gorillas wake up and spend about 3 to 4 hours searching for food. Afterward, they rest around midday.
- Evening: After their rest, mountain gorillas feed again. Once they finish eating, they construct their nests to sleep.
