Gorillas occasionally beat their chests. So, why do gorillas beat their chests, and what are the consequences of chest-beating when encountering a gorilla?
Mountain gorillas typically beat their chests when they perceive a threat or danger. When chest-beating occurs, it indicates that the gorilla is charging at a human or a rival.
This chest-beating is one of the warning signs that a gorilla is about to attack, so it is essential to stay away from its territory.
Mountain gorillas also beat their chests as a sign of victory, often following a successful fight. They can also beat their chests to attract female gorillas and display their strength.
Additionally, mountain gorillas occasionally beat their chests as a form of communication, primarily done by silverbacks.
A silverback might beat his chest and then walk away, signaling to the group members to follow him.
Silverback gorillas may also beat their chests in response to a young silverback attempting to challenge them.
The dominating silverback’s chest-beating serves as a warning to the young silverback, and it can lead to either a retreat by the younger gorilla or a physical confrontation.
Gorillas use various forms of communication and displays to convey messages or threats.
These behaviors include making loud sounds, grunts, tearing and throwing vegetation, roars, hooting, laughing, sticking out their tongues, stamping their feet thunderously on the ground, and more.
Communication plays a vital role in their social interactions, mating rituals, and group dynamics.
About Mountain Gorillas
Mountain gorillas are an endangered species of primates found in central eastern Africa.
They are the largest primates on Earth, with slightly more than 1000 individuals left in the world. Mountain gorilla trekking is a dream for every tourist visiting Africa, and this opportunity should not be missed.
Mountain gorillas live in social groups consisting of 5-30 individuals, led by a dominating silverback responsible for guiding the group’s daily activities.
They are generally calm and gentle animals but can display aggression and become dangerous when they feel insecure or disturbed.
The mountain gorilla diet comprises 25% fruits along with leaves, stems, bamboo shoots, pith, ants, insects, termites, and more.
Interestingly, they almost never drink water, as the food they consume is rich in moisture.
Mountain gorillas also have an aversion to water and dislike rain.
Go gorilla trekking in Africa and meet gorillas in the wild.
