Gorillas

Gorillas are critically endangered Mountain gorilla

An average group of Gorillas consists of 6 or 7 members and the adult male is called the Silverback.  The silverback looks after the rest of the family and protects them from predators and danger.  When the adult males in the group grow up they leave the group to make their own families or make friends with other lone male gorillas.

Gorillas are often mistaken for being aggressive but they are often shy animals who are quite passive.  They will put on a noisy display in the forest to scare off intruders. They can become angry and develop a ‘charge display’ which can go from hooting to chest-beating to running and tearing plants to slapping the ground.

They groom eachother a small amount compared with other primates but this is often seen between the mother and baby.  They will also groom eachother to keep the hair free from dirt or parasites. They spend the day feeding (30%), resting (40%), and traveling (30%).

When the dominant silverback decides to settle in for the evening, each gorilla builds a new nest for the night. They bend and weave leaves and branches into a circular bowl

When they travel through the trees they climb.  When they talk to eachother they make humming and purring noises when they are content.  They also chuckle when they play and cry out when they are in distress.

There are different types of Gorillas found in different parts of the world.

WESTERN LOWLAND GORILLA:
The western lowland gorilla is found in the countries of Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and Nigeria. This species lives in the lowland rainforests, and more specifically in Northern Congo they live in swamp forests. The western lowland gorilla prefers open-canopy forests that allow light to reach the forest floor.

MOUNTAIN GORILLA:
The mountain gorilla is found in the countries of Rwanda, Uganda, and Zaire, on the slopes of the Virunga volcanoes. This species prefers to live in hagenia woodlands and are found up to 3500 meters in altitude. The mountain gorilla prefers open-canopy forests that allow light to reach the forest floor.

EASTERN LOWLAND GORILLA:
The eastern lowland gorilla is found in the country of Zaire. This species lives in lowland rainforests. The eastern lowland gorilla prefers open-canopy forests that allow light to reach the forest floor.