Want to learn more about how mountain gorillas adapt to the environment? This gorilla species lives in the wild areas of central Africa, mainly in the Virunga Massif region.
This area includes the eight Virunga Volcanoes and the parks of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Volcanoes National Park, and Virunga National Park.
Gorillas have changed over time to live well in the mountains and rainforests. Let’s explore how they do this.
There are just over 1,000 mountain gorillas left in the world. Half of them live in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda.
They live in groups of about 5 to 30 gorillas, led by a dominant silverback who is the group leader.
Mountain gorillas share 98% of their DNA with humans, making them our closest relatives.
They can cry, laugh, and play just like people.
Each gorilla has a unique nose print, like human fingerprints.
This gorilla species almost died out in the 19th century. Dian Fossey, an American scientist, spent her life protecting and studying these gorillas. She fought against gorilla poachers but was sadly killed in 1985 at her cabin in the Virunga Ranges.
Since then, many efforts have helped protect and learn more about mountain gorillas.
How Gorillas Adapt to Their Environment
These studies look at how gorillas adapt to their environment, their behavior, how they survive, their body changes, their senses, and more.
- Mountain gorillas live in cold rainforests. Their thick, long fur keeps them warm and protects them from sicknesses like cold, flu, and pneumonia. It also stops insect bites.
- Gorillas use body language and sounds to talk with each other. Their faces show feelings and needs clearly. This is one way they behave that helps them live together.
- Silverbacks lead the gorilla groups. The silverback decides when to wake up, eat, and sleep. Only the silverback mates with the females in the group. If young males want to mate, they must leave to join or start another group.
- Gorillas eat only plants and fruits because they are herbivores. Living in the forest is easier for them since they do not need to chase animals for food.
- Their thumbs are bigger than their other fingers, which helps them break open fruit shells.
- They make sounds like screams or hoots and use their arms to fight if needed. A silverback will protect his family even if it means risking his life.
- Gorillas like to stay hidden. They can sense danger early and move away to avoid it. Only a few brave ones will face threats.
- Their flat teeth help them chew and grind plants. Bacteria in their stomachs help break down food so it is easier to digest.
- Gorillas use their strong arms to move around. Their big arm muscles help them gather leaves and travel.
