Mountain gorillas are one of the top attractions in the world. The endangered primates attract many travelers to East and Central Africa. In this article, we bring you 10 interesting facts about mountain gorillas which you should know. These facts include where mountain gorillas live, what mountain gorillas eat, the number of gorillas left in the world, how long mountain gorillas can live, why gorillas are special, and why gorillas are endangered among others. Mountain gorillas are scientifically called Gorilla Beringei Beringei and its one subspecies of the Eastern gorillas.
Roughly 1006 Mountain gorillas are living
There are roughly 1006 mountain gorillas that live in the wild worldwide. Mountain gorillas are endangered species that were once at the verge of extinction. The 1006 is a great achievement and great thanks to the conservation efforts by respective governments and local people who have worked together to remote gorilla conservation. Also, the great applause goes to the fallen Dian Fossey, an American primatologist who lost her life in the struggle to conserve the gorillas that were extincting to poaching, habitat loss and encroachment.
Gorillas can eat all day long
Mountain gorillas are said to spend most of their times eating. From the y they wakeup to almost half of the day, mountain gorillas are mainly feeding on leaves, tree branches fruits, tree trunks among others. They are herbivorous animals which mainly feed on vegetation. Also, on some occasions, gorillas feed on lavae, snails, and rotting wood in which they get sodium
Mountain gorillas live in two Destinations
These endangered primates live in only two destinations. These are Bwindi Impenetrable Forst National Park Uganda and the Virunga Conservation Area which comprise of Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. Anyone who wants to visit gorillas must visit any one of the three countries. Bwindi Forest shelters the highest gorilla population followed by Volcanoes National park in Rwanda
Gorillas get Cozy at night
Whereas mountain gorillas spend most of their day time active, the endangered species get cozy at night. They retire to sleep in their nests which they make at the end of the day. Once the silverback gorillas decides on where the family will sleep the night, they collect foliage in which they make their nests. All family members share the nest together while baby gorillas sleep close to their mothers. It’s said that each day, gorillas sleep in a new nest
Mountain Gorillas share over 98% of human genes
Research has found out that gorillas share over 98%of human genes which make them man’s close relatives. The social behaviors and characters of mountain gorillas for example silverbacks protecting other gorilla families while adult females nurse and take care of the infant gorillas is an evidence that gorillas are man’s relatives Also, gorillas live in families each family headed by a dominant male (Silverback) just like a father in a human home
They are strong
Mountain gorillas are one of the most powerful primates in the world. An adult silverback can weigh up to 170 kilograms while an adult female weighs over 90 kilograms. Angry gorillas have been seen breaking big tree trunks and it’s said that a gorilla can break a man’s arm when annoyed. This is why travelers are advised to be careful when around the gorillas to ensure safety.
Gorillas live in families
Mountain gorillas live in families and each family is headed by a silverback gorilla. Uganda has 21 habituated gorilla families, Rwanda has 10 and the Democratic Republic of Congo has 8 gorilla families. Each gorilla in the family has a different responsibility. The silverback is the head of the family who plans and watches over all family members, adult females bear and take care of children, Black backs keep the family active while the infants stay with their mothers. However, both family members take care of the infants, they cuddle, carry, and play with them just like in a family of people. Each gorilla family is visited by eight people.
Gorillas live to over 40 years
Mountain gorillas live up to 40 years of age. At the age of 0 to 4 years, gorillas are called infants, 8 years are adults, and 8 to 12 years are black backs while after 12 years, a gorilla develops silver hair at the back hence the name silverback
Gorillas are under threat
Mountain gorillas are endangered primates under threat. Having only 1006 mountain gorillas in the whole world is not enough. It’s a confirmation that the primates are under threat. The major threats to mountain gorillas include poaching, and habitat loss due to human encroachment to expand their and or settlement and agriculture.
Gorillas have Long arms than the legs
They have long and thick hair
Adult male gorillas have grey hair on their back
People also ask
What special thing can gorillas do?
Mountain gorillas are intelligent creatures. They have been seen on several occasions using tools and sticks to measure the depth of the river before they cross. Also, gorillas can detect danger and flee to a safe place
How long can gorillas live
The lifespan of gorillas is between 35 to 40 years old. However, in rare cases, gorillas live for more than 40 years.
How many babies can a gorilla have in a lifetime?
A female gorilla can have two between 2 to 4 babies in lifetime
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