Types of Gorillas – Gorillas are bulky animals that live on the ground and are found in the tropical rainforests of equatorial Africa. Some of the countries where gorillas are found include Uganda, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Gabon, and Equatorial Guinea.
Gorillas share 98% of their DNA with human beings. They belong to the kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Mammalia, and the order Primates. Gorillas grow to a height of 1.25m to 1.8m. A male gorilla can weigh between 100kg and 270kg, while an adult female weighs between 80kg and 100kg.
Gorillas can live up to 35 to 40 years. They live in families or groups led by a dominant silverback who makes decisions such as choosing eating and sleeping times, mating with females, and protecting the family from enemies.
Gorillas feed on vegetation, including leaves, shoots, roots, bark, and fruits. A female gorilla eats about 18kg of vegetation daily, while a male eats about 30kg.
Types of Gorillas
There are two species of gorillas: Eastern gorillas and Western gorillas.
Eastern Gorilla
Eastern gorillas are the largest living primates found in the tropical rainforests of Africa. Scientifically known as Gorilla beringei, they are divided into two subspecies: the Eastern lowland gorillas and the mountain gorillas.
Mountain gorillas are one of the most endangered primates, facing threats such as habitat loss, diseases, and poaching. There are about 1,063 mountain gorillas left in the wild. They live at high altitudes of about 8,000ft to 13,000ft in the Virunga Massif and are found in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The scientific name for mountain gorillas is Gorilla beringei beringei. Their physical characteristics include thick fur to protect them from cold weather, muscular arms, a massive chest, and broad hands and feet.
Eastern lowland gorillas, also known as Grauer’s gorillas, are found in the tropical rainforests of the Democratic Republic of Congo, specifically in Kahuzi-Biega and Maiko National Parks. There are about 6,000 eastern lowland gorillas left in the wild. They are also endangered due to habitat destruction, poaching, and diseases.
Their physical characteristics include a jet black coat, shorter hair on the head and body, and other distinctive features.
Western Gorilla
Western gorillas are the second-largest primates after Eastern gorillas. They are found in midwest Africa and consist of two subspecies: the western lowland gorilla and the cross river gorilla.
The western lowland gorilla, scientifically known as Gorilla gorilla gorilla, is found in countries such as Angola, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Republic of Congo, and Equatorial Guinea. There are about 276,000 western lowland gorillas left in the wild, making them the most numerous gorilla subspecies.
Western lowland gorillas are the smallest among all gorilla subspecies. Their physical characteristics include large hands, short muzzles, and prominent brow ridges.
Cross river gorillas are found around the Cameroon-Nigeria border region. There are only about 250 to 300 cross river gorillas left in the wild. The scientific name for cross river gorillas is Gorilla gorilla diehli.
Gorillas are peaceful and gentle creatures that do not attack humans unless they feel threatened.
