Cross River Gorilla
Cross River Gorilla
Cross River Gorilla
Deep within the dense forests live the Cross River gorillas, an extremely rare and critically endangered species of gorilla. Let's take a closer look at the ecology of these gorillas, of which only about 300 remain, and the efforts being made to protect them.
Cross River Gorilla Basic Infomation
Property | Value |
---|---|
Order | Primates |
Class | Mammalia |
Subspecies | Gorilla gorilla diehli |
Phylum | Chordata |
Taxonomic Status | ACCEPTED |
Kingdom | Animalia |
Genus | Gorilla |
Conservation Status | Critically Endangered |
Rank | SUBSPECIES |
Species | Gorilla gorilla |
Scientific Name | Gorilla gorilla diehli |
Family | Hominidae |
Size
Adult males measure about 1.5 to 1.7 meters in length and weigh 140 to 200 kilograms. Females are smaller than males, weighing 60 to 90 kilograms.
Lifespan
They live for 30 to 35 years in the wild, and over 40 years in captivity.
Distribution
They are found only in the Cross River region along the border of Nigeria and Cameroon. This region is characterized by high-altitude montane forests, and their habitat is very limited.
Cross River Gorilla Q&A
What kind of gorilla is the Cross River gorilla?
The Cross River gorilla is a subspecies of the western gorilla. As its name suggests, it is a very rare gorilla found only in the Cross River region.
They resemble western lowland gorillas but have larger heads and grayish hair on their chests and backs. They also have smaller teeth than western lowland gorillas.
What do Cross River gorillas eat?
Cross River gorillas primarily eat fruits, leaves, shoots, and bark. They forage for a variety of plants as they move through the forest.
Their diet can vary depending on the season and location. They also occasionally eat insects and small animals.
What kind of lives do they lead?
Cross River gorillas live in small groups of 5 to 10 individuals. A group typically consists of one mature male (silverback), several females, and their offspring.
The silverback, as the leader of the group, protects the group from other male gorillas, finds food, and decides where the group will travel. They are active during the day and build nests in safe places to sleep at night. Sometimes they build their nests in trees, and sometimes on the ground.
[Quiz!] Why are Cross River gorillas endangered?
There are three main reasons why Cross River gorillas are endangered.
First, poaching. Their meat, fur, and bones are illegally traded.
Second, deforestation. The forests they inhabit are being cleared for timber and agriculture.
Third, infectious diseases, such as Ebola. Gorillas, like humans, are susceptible to Ebola, and if an outbreak occurs, the entire group could die.
Because the Cross River gorilla population is so small, they are at high risk of extinction due to these threats.
[Quiz!] What efforts are being made to protect Cross River gorillas?
Various efforts are being made to protect Cross River gorillas, including:
・Strengthening law enforcement against poaching
・Regulating deforestation
・Establishing protected areas
・Promoting ecotourism
・Educating local communities
Thanks to these efforts, the number of Cross River gorillas is slowly but steadily increasing. However, the situation is not yet secure.
To ensure their future, we need the understanding and cooperation of everyone.
[Quiz!] Is it possible to visit and see Cross River gorillas?
Cross River gorillas are extremely wary and tend to avoid humans. It is therefore very difficult to encounter them in the wild.
However, there are protected areas for Cross River gorillas in Nigeria and Cameroon, and tours are organized to see them there.
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Cross River Gorilla Type of List
Subspecies of Gorillas
- Western Gorilla
- Western Lowland Gorilla
- Cross River Gorilla
- Eastern Gorilla
- Mountain Gorilla
- Eastern Lowland Gorilla
Eastern Gorilla
The eastern gorilla, a large and powerful gorilla that inhabits the eastern part of the African continent. They live in the rugged mountains and deep forests, cherishing the bonds of family. Let's explore the ecology of eastern gorillas, the threats they face, and the current status of their conservation efforts.
Eastern Lowland Gorilla
In the vast rainforests of the Democratic Republic of the Congo lives the largest of all gorilla species, the eastern lowland gorilla. They travel great distances through the forest in search of fruit! However, their future is in jeopardy due to civil war and poaching. Let's take a closer look at the ecology of the eastern lowland gorilla and the efforts to protect them.
Gorilla
Gorillas are popular animals at zoos with their impressive black and large bodies that beat their chests. But how much do you know about gorillas? Actually, gorillas are… Did you know that? If you want to know more, please check out the Q&A! Let’s take a closer look at gorillas!
Mountain Gorilla
In the misty mountains, the mountain gorilla stands silently. Their deep, gentle eyes seem to speak to our human hearts. Let's delve into the ecology of these gorillas, who are slowly increasing in number after overcoming the threat of extinction, and learn about the current state of their conservation.
Western Gorilla
In the depths of the African rainforest, the western gorilla lives a peaceful life. They thrive on the bounty of the forest, cherishing the bonds of family. But now, their future is threatened by various dangers. Let's delve into the ecology of the western gorilla and explore the efforts to protect them.
Western Lowland Gorilla
Living in the rainforests of West Africa is the western lowland gorilla, the most widespread and numerous of all gorilla species. They have relatively short, brownish-gray fur and are characterized by a reddish pigmentation on the crown of their heads. They primarily eat fruit, but also consume leaves and insects. They live in groups, usually led by a mature male called a silverback.
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