Gorilla Facts
Gorillas are primates, a group of mammals that includes monkeys, apes and humans. Primates have large brains relative to their size and these clever adaptable creatures are thought to be the most intelligent of all animals. The gorilla is a ‘great ape’ and one of our closest relations, sharing 97-98% of the same DNA.
How are gorillas classified?
- The largest of the great apes
Living things can be organised into different groups. Species that are alike are grouped together. This is called classification.
- Class: Mammals
- Order: Primates
- Family: Hominidae (great apes)
- Species: Gorilla gorilla (gorillas)
There are over 180 species of primates, from the tiny 100g mouse lemur, to the 200kg gorilla. There are 6 species of great ape: 2 orangutans, 2 gorillas, the chimpanzee and the bonobo or pigmy chimp. Apes are bigger than monkeys, but do not have tails.
There are two species of gorilla, Eastern and Western. The Western is divided into two sub-species: Western Lowland (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) and the Cross River Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla diehli); while the Eastern also has two sub-species: the Mountain gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei) and the Eastern Lowland (Gorilla beringei graueri). Born Free takes action in Cameroon and Democratic Republic of Congo to protect the Eastern Lowland gorilla.
Gorillas are special
The intelligent gorilla lives in complex communities. Great apes share many behaviours with humans, and can adapt to a wide range of habitats.
Distribution
The five sub-species of gorillas are found in only nine countries of eastern and central Africa. Distributions have reduced and populations declined as apes and their habitats have been over-exploited and destroyed.
Habitat
Gorillas live in tropical forests. The main priority for location is a good food supply. Gorilla habitat includes sea level forests in West Africa and 4,000m mountains in the east.
Diet
Gorillas are entirely vegetarian, eating plants and fruits.
Adaptations
Great apes are perceptive, inventive and able to assess and learn from situations. Males are larger and stronger than females, with bigger canine teeth. Great apes have excellent vision to judge distances and spot food; large ears to hear each others’ calls; strong yet nimble hands and feet with opposable thumbs to grasp objects; plus long, strong arms to aid climbing.
Behaviour
Intelligent apes can solve complex problems, pass information from one generation to the next, and make and use tools.
Society
Gorilla families are led by dominant males. They spend hours grooming friends and family, reinforcing social bonds.
Reproduction
Gorillas mature around 10-13 years and female gestation is 8˝ months. Newborn apes rely on their mothers’ milk and depend on her care for five years. Young gorillas spend a lot of time playing together and learning how to be a part of gorilla society.
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