What kind of gorilla is the western lowland gorilla?

The western lowland gorilla is a subspecies of the western gorilla and is the most widespread and numerous of all gorilla species. They are smaller than eastern gorillas, have shorter fur, and are brownish-gray in color.

Some individuals have reddish pigmentation on the crown of their heads. They are known for their intelligence, tool use, and complex social structure.

What do western lowland gorillas eat?

Western lowland gorillas primarily eat fruit, but they also consume leaves, shoots, insects, and soil. They forage for a variety of plants as they move through the forest.

In forests with abundant fruit, they may spend most of their day foraging. When fruit is scarce, they eat more leaves and shoots. They also eat soil to supplement their mineral intake.

What kind of lives do they lead?

Western lowland gorillas live in groups, usually consisting of 10 to 20 individuals. The group is led by a mature male called a silverback, along with several females, and their offspring.

The silverback 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 made of vegetation, either in trees or on the ground. Western lowland gorillas are intelligent and have complex social structures. They communicate using a variety of sounds and gestures, cooperating with each other to survive.

[Quiz!] What is the role of the silverback in a western lowland gorilla troop?

The silverback, the leader of the western lowland gorilla troop, is a very important member of the group.

They not only protect the troop from other gorillas and predators but also decide where to find food and lead the troop's movements. Silverbacks are also responsible for caring for the females and young and maintaining order within the troop.

[Quiz!] Why are western lowland gorillas endangered?

There are three main reasons why western lowland gorillas are endangered.

1. Poaching: Their meat, fur, and bones are illegally traded.

2. Infectious diseases, especially the Ebola virus: Gorillas, like humans, are susceptible to Ebola, and an outbreak can wipe out an entire troop.

3. Habitat destruction: The forests they live in are being cleared for timber and agriculture. Deforestation not only deprives gorillas of their food and shelter but can also fragment their habitat, isolating populations.

We need to address these issues to protect western lowland gorillas.

[Quiz!] What can we do to help protect western lowland gorillas?

There are many things we can do to help protect western lowland gorillas.

・Choose forest-certified products to reduce deforestation

・Support efforts to prevent and control Ebola and other infectious diseases

・Donate to organizations working to protect gorillas

・Learn about gorillas and share that knowledge with others

Even small actions can make a big difference when we all work together. Let's all think about what we can do to protect gorillas, our fellow inhabitants of Earth, and take action!