Origin
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.
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.
