Gorilla | Facts & Information

# Gorilla | Facts & Information

Gorilla | Discover Fascinating Facts and Information About Gorilla

Gorillas are the largest primates. They live in the forests of Central Africa. At the moment gorillas are divided into two scares and as of 2008 there is a debate about whether this species should have four or five subspecies.

Eastern gorillas:

Western gorillas:

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Gorilla

Gorilla

The Gorilla is a fascinating animal, known for its impressive size and extraordinary strength. These primates are native to Central Africa, considered the largest apes in the world. With a distinct personality and complex behavior, gorillas continue to captivate the attention of people worldwide.

There are two main species of gorillas: the mountain gorilla and the lowland gorilla. The mountain gorilla (Gorilla beringei) lives in high-altitude, dense and cold forests in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This species has a robust appearance and long, dense hair that protects them from the cold temperatures on the mountain. Lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla) are found in tropical forests in Equatorial Africa, in countries such as Cameroon, Gabon, and the Republic of Congo. They are smaller than mountain gorillas and have shorter, thinner hair.

A remarkable aspect of gorillas is their immense size. Male gorillas can reach a height of approximately 1.7 meters and weigh up to 200 kilograms. Although females are smaller, they can still weigh between 90 and 100 kilograms. This impressive size is the result of a diet primarily based on vegetables, such as leaves, stems, and fruits. However, gorillas can also consume other foods, such as insects, eggs, and even small vertebrates.

What truly makes these animals unique is their complex social behavior. Gorillas live in close-knit groups, known as "troops," led by a strong and dominant alpha male. The groups can vary in size, from a few individuals to over 30. Females and juveniles form the core of the group, and males join the troop before becoming independent. Gorillas communicate through specific sounds and body language, such as posture and facial expression.

Gorillas are highly protective and devoted to their group members. They provide shelter and food within the community, and females are involved in raising the offspring. Gorilla babies are adorable and engage in a lot of play to develop their social and physical abilities.

However, the lives of gorillas are threatened by factors such as illegal hunting and habitat destruction. Unfortunately, gorillas face an increased risk of extinction, and some species are already endangered. Conservation groups and environmental organizations are making significant efforts to protect gorilla populations and preserve their natural habitat.

It is important to recognize the value and importance of gorillas in their ecosystem. These playful and fascinating animals contribute to maintaining the natural balance and biodiversity in Central Africa. Promoting education and public awareness about gorilla conservation can help prevent the loss of such a remarkable species.

In conclusion, gorillas are some of the largest and most imposing animals in the world. With complex social behavior and a distinct personality, these fascinating primates deserve to be protected and appreciated. Despite facing threats from human activities, efforts are being made to save and protect gorillas and their habitat. Let us continue to discover and learn about these amazing creatures and get involved in their conservation to give them a chance to survive in the wild.

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Facts

Origin

The DNA of gorillas is very similar to that of humans, it is 95-98% similar. The closest "relatives" of humans areafter the two species of chimpanzee. Their habitat is the tropical and subtropical forests of Africa.

Although their range has a small percentage gorillas have a wide range of altitudes. Mountain gorillas can be found between 2200 and 4300m.lowland gorillas live in dense forests and swamps.

The name of gorillas comes from the Greek language (Gorillai) and Means "tribe of hairy women". Until recently it was considered that gorillas have three subspecies: the western gorilla, the eastern gorilla and The Mountain Gorilla. Now there is an agreement in which several subspecies of gorillas are singled out.

All subspecies of gorillas evolved from a single type of gorilla that existed during the ice age. These species developed after being isolated and developed separately, each adapting to their current environment and needs.

Gorilla Food

Gorillas are herbivores.

They consume fruits, leaves and shoots. There is evidence that they also eat ants, they like termites as much as chimpanzees.

Gorillas spend most of their time eating. Long, strong canines allow them to gnaw plants like bamboo.

They feed mainly on fruit, with mountain gorillas eating more plants, stems and roots.

Gorilla Appearance

Gorillas move on all fours, although sometimes they walk on two legs, like humans, but for short distances. Males have a height of 1.65 – 1.75 and a weight of 140-200 kg.

Females often reach half the weight of an adult, a height of 1.4 m and about 100kg. Gorillas in captivity have reached weights of 270 gk.

The mountain gorilla has the thickest fur and the darkest color, followed by the western gorilla which has a brown or gray coat color.

Gorillas living on the ses are leaner and more agile than mountain gorillas. Almost all gorillas have blood type B, like humans, and they have fingerprints on their fingers.

Several species of gorillas

Mountain gorilla (G. B. beringei)

Eastern lowland gorilla (G. B. graueri)

Western lowland gorilla (G. G. gorilla)

Cross River gorilla (G. G. diehli)

Gorilla Behavior

Gorillas have many similarities to humans and are considered highly intelligent.

Several specimens in captivity have learned sign language.

Gorillas, and other apes, laugh, Grieve, have rich emotional lives, develop strong bonds with family and beyond, use tools, can think in the future or the past.

Gorilla Breeding

The gestation period is at least 8 months.

They usually begin to reproduce after 3-4 years. Infants stay with their mothers until they are 4 years old.

Females reach sexual maturity at the age of 10-12 years, and males at 11-13 years. The life span of gorillas is 30-50 years.

There are exceptions where some individuals have lived longer. For example Jenny, a gorilla that could be seen in captivity in Dallas lived 55 years.

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