WESTERN LOWLAND GORILLAS

The western low land gorilla is the most numerous and widespread of all gorilla subspecies. It is critically endangered with the smallest population. The male is referred to as a silverback and is the leader of the gorilla family. The populations of these gorillas can be found in Cameroon, The Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Equatorial Guinea as well as in large areas in Gabon, Congo, and Cabinda region of Angola.

What Western lowland Gorillas eat?

Gorillas stick to a mainly vegetarian diet, feeding on stems, bamboo shoots and fruits. Western lowland gorillas, however, also have an appetite for termites and ants, and break open termite nests to eat the larvae.

Western lowland Gorilla Groups

Gorillas live in groups, or troops, from two to over 30 members. But data seems to indicate that western lowland gorillas live in smaller groups, averaging about five individuals.

Reproduction

Western Lowland Gorillas do not have a distinct breeding season. Gestation lasts from 250 to 270 days (8-9 months). In the wild, female gorillas usually deliver their first offspring at 10 – 11 years old and at 4year intervals thereafter. One infant gorilla is normally produced and twins are rare.

How to differentiate western lowland gorillas female and male?

In western lowland gorillas, the silver may extend to rump and thighs. Western lowland females may go gray below the ears and on the neck and top of the head as they age. Compared to other subspecies, western lowland gorillas have a more pronounced brow ridge and ears that appear small in relation to their heads. They also have a differently shaped nose and lip than other subspecies.