Mountain Gorilla
Mountain Gorilla
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.
Mountain Gorilla Basic Infomation
Property | Value |
---|---|
Order | Primates |
Class | Mammalia |
Subspecies | Gorilla beringei beringei |
Phylum | Chordata |
Taxonomic Status | ACCEPTED |
Kingdom | Animalia |
Genus | Gorilla |
Conservation Status | Critically Endangered |
Rank | SUBSPECIES |
Species | Gorilla beringei |
Scientific Name | Gorilla beringei beringei |
Family | Hominidae |
Size
Adult males measure about 1.7 to 1.8 meters in length and weigh 160 to 200 kilograms. Females are smaller than males, weighing 90 to 120 kilograms.
Lifespan
They live for 35 to 40 years in the wild, and over 50 years in captivity.
Distribution
They are found only in the limited mountainous areas of the Virunga Mountains and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which straddle the borders of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They are adapted to life in high altitudes, ranging from 2,200 to 4,000 meters.
Mountain Gorilla Q&A
What kind of gorilla is the mountain gorilla?
The mountain gorilla is a subspecies of the eastern gorilla, and as its name suggests, it lives in mountainous areas. They have longer and denser fur than other gorillas, an adaptation to the cold climate.
They have black faces, broad noses, and small eyes, giving them a powerful appearance. They are primarily terrestrial and move on all fours. However, they are also good at climbing trees and sometimes eat fruit or rest in trees.
What do mountain gorillas eat?
Mountain gorillas are mainly herbivores, feeding on leaves, stems, fruits, and bark. They particularly enjoy herbaceous plants such as celery and nettles.
They eat about 18 kg of plants per day, spending a lot of time foraging. They also occasionally eat insects and snails.
What kind of lives do they lead?
Mountain gorillas live in groups of 5 to 30 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 rest at night in nests built on the ground from piles of vegetation. Mountain gorillas are highly intelligent and have complex social structures. They communicate using various sounds and gestures and cooperate to survive.
[Quiz!] Can mountain gorillas laugh, like humans?
Gorillas are capable of making a wide range of facial expressions, just like humans. Their emotions, such as joy, anger, and sadness, are reflected in their expressions. And, just like humans… they can laugh!
Gorilla laughter sounds like a "co-ho-co-ho" and is often heard when they are tickled or playing. Gorillas are very closely related to us humans.
[Quiz!] Why were mountain gorillas endangered?
Mountain gorillas were once on the brink of extinction due to habitat destruction, poaching, and disease.
However, in recent years, conservation efforts have led to a slow but steady increase in their numbers. Currently, the wild mountain gorilla population has recovered to about 1,000 individuals.
[Quiz!] What efforts are being made to protect mountain gorillas?
Various efforts are being made to protect mountain gorillas, including:
・Strengthening anti-poaching patrols
・Habitat conservation
・Establishment of protected areas
・Promotion of ecotourism
・Educating local communities
These efforts are carried out through the cooperation of international organizations, governments, NGOs, and local communities.
Mountain gorillas are a precious asset to our planet. Let's each consider what we can do to protect their future and take action!
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Mountain Gorilla Type of List
Efforts to Protect Mountain Gorillas
- Strengthening law enforcement against poaching
- Habitat conservation
- Establishment of protected areas
- Promotion of ecotourism
- Educating local communities
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.
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!
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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