Mountain gorilla reproduction and mating habits
Mounatin gorilla is a sub species of the Eastern gorilla
Mountain gorillas are large ground dwellers that live in the tropical rainforests of 3 countries of Uganda , Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo.
Mountain gorillas are physically characterized by their large body size which is about 400 pounds for males and females 200 pounds , they have longer , thicker and darker fur , saddle shaped patch of silver hair on their backs , unique nose prints , strong teeth , broader fore head and apposable thumbs.
Mounatin gorillas live in mountainous areas at an altitude of 8000ft to 13000ft .
They feed on vegetation such as leaves , shoots , roots , stems , fruits and Bamboo .
The mountain gorillas are one of the most endangered primates on the planet due to poaching , diseases and habitat loss .
Mountain gorilla population currently is about 1063 gorilla individuals in the wild.
Mounatin gorilla reproduction and mating habits
Female mountain gorillas reach sexual maturity at the age of 10 to 12 years although they can have there first ovulation at 8 years whereas males reach sexual maturity at the age of 11 to 13 years
Female mountain gorillas usually produce 1 infant or sometimes twins after a period of 4 years . This is because female gorillas have to wait until the infant has grown up to the age of 4 where they are fully independent.
Female mountain gorillas be on heat for 1 to 2 days in a month . They attract males through body movements, uninterrupted eye contact and puckering lips.
Gorillas have no specific season for mating they can mate at any time of the year.
Mountain gorilla gestation period is about 8.5 months and after birth they wait for 4 years to conceive again until the infant is fully grown . This implies they have a low reproduction rate.
Female mountain gorillas have a menstrual cycle of about 28 days and the fertile period is usually of 3 days where they can easily conceive .
Mounatin gorillas are polygamous creatures evidenced as the dominant silverback can access all the females in the family to mate with them.
By and large , mountain gorillas have a low birth rate which majorly affects their population growth.
