Want to learn more about gorilla species? Gorillas are the largest ape species and are very close to human beings, second only to baboons and chimpanzees. They share about 98 percent of their DNA with humans.
Gorillas are found only in Africa. They live in the thick tropical forests of central and western Africa. They are known for their strong bodies, muscular arms, large nostrils, thick chests, and dark or brown fur depending on the species.
Gorillas live in groups of about 5 to 30 members. Each group is led by a dominant male.
There are two main gorilla species in the wild: the Eastern gorilla and the Western gorilla. Each of these is divided into two subspecies. The Eastern gorilla is divided into the Eastern lowland gorilla and the mountain gorilla. The Western gorilla is divided into the Western lowland gorilla and the Cross River gorilla.
Eastern lowland gorilla
The Eastern lowland gorilla is found in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. They are the largest gorilla subspecies, with thick bodies, short muzzles, and large hands. There are about 7,500 Eastern lowland gorillas remaining in the wild, making them endangered. They can be seen in Kahuzi Biega National Park and Odzala Kokoua.
Mountain gorillas
Mountain gorillas are a subspecies of the Eastern gorilla. They live in highland areas. They are found in Virunga National Park in DRC, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Bwindi and Mgahinga in Uganda. They have thick, long fur that keeps them warm in cold mountain conditions. Mountain gorillas are critically endangered. There are about 1,063 individuals left in the wild.
Western lowland gorillas
These are the smallest of all the gorilla subspecies. They live in lowland tropical forests and swamps. They are found in Angola, Cameroon, and the Central African Republic. There are about 350,000 of them in the wild. Western lowland gorillas are also the ones most commonly seen in zoos and are known for their grayish fur.
Cross River gorillas
These gorillas live in the forested mountains of Cameroon and Nigeria. They are at high risk of extinction because they occupy a very small area and often come into contact with humans.
Exploring the world of gorillas is fascinating because of their unique characteristics.
