The Greater Apes: The ground dwellers Gorillas
The greater apes, the gorillas. Also known as the ground dwelling ape.
Gorillas
They are found in Rwanda, Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo. In the Virunga Massif, that borders the three countries.
They are huge weighing up to 195 kilograms and stand close to 1.8 meters high. The males are bigger in size than their female counter parts.
They are known of their knuckle-walking whereby , their fore arms rest on the knuckles while walking. While carrying stuff and in defensive, they can walk bipedally like humans.
They heavily feed on the plants. But the diet do differ within the species. Whereby, the Eastern lowland gorillas include a higher quantity of fruits compared to what the Mountain gorilla consume.
Chimpanzees are the closest to humans, and Gorilla follows shortly after the bonobos.
Unlike the other greater apes, gorillas build their nests on the ground and not on trees. This is maybe due to their huge physical structure. The baby gorillas just like the baby chimpanzees, sleep with their mums.
Gorillas subspecies
- Western gorilla which involves the Western lowland gorillas and Cross river gorilla
- Eastern gorilla which involves Mountain gorilla and Eastern lowland gorilla.
They are social beings
A group of gorillas is known as a troop. Which comprises of one dominant adult male, a number of females and their babies. Although it has been noted that several adult males may be noted in some troops.
The dominant adult males plays the same roles as the dominant chimpanzee.
They can be able to live up to 40 years in the wild and almost more than 50 years in captivity.
Similarities to the other greater apes
- They are able to use tools for various activities.
- They are also considered to be very clever especially the famous, Koko. Who was taught sign language.
Conservation concern
Unfortunately, all gorilla species have been listed as critically endangered by the IUCN. Making their conservation a must and protected by law.
Conclusion
They are famously known via the gorilla tracking which allows you opportunity to look for them in their natural habitat.
We should learn more about this gorilla tracking, right? Worry not, I will research and share details right here.
Thank you Cheche for sharing such important information, I love gorillas from all areas of Africa, they are amazing animals. I’ve seen a Silverback male and his female troop in a park that is awarded for its conservation efforts, that was great to see them up close and how they interact with each other. I know they are seriously endangered, but I also know there are rangers that put their lives on the line every day to keep the gorillas safe from poachers, I am so grateful for them. I look forward to more information from you.
True, strict measures had to be taken so as to protect their existence. They are closely related to us and we are their worst enemies due to our negative impact. We are yet to learn about the other apes then finalize by evaluating how we can protect them. As well as learn about healthy relationships with them. Thank you very much Laura.