Gorillas are divided into two species. These include the western gorilla, which is further divided into western lowland gorillas and Cross River gorillas, and the eastern gorilla, which is divided into mountain gorillas and eastern lowland gorillas.
Gorillas share a large amount of DNA with humans, making them one of our closest relatives. They are the largest apes in the world and are found only in Africa. There are not many major differences between the gorilla species except for where they live and some behaviors.
Most gorillas live in groups of 5 to 30 individuals, though this number can change because of deaths, fights for power, and other reasons.
Species of Western Gorillas
Western Lowland Gorillas
Western lowland gorillas live in the forests of Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and Angola. They are found in swampy forests, lowland tropical forests, and forests near rivers.
Western lowland gorillas are a subspecies of the western gorilla and are the smallest of all gorilla types. They are the most studied and observed gorillas. An adult male usually weighs between 140 and 170 kilograms and can reach a height of 1.5 to 1.8 meters. Males in zoos can weigh more than 270 kilograms.
Western lowland gorillas have the largest population among all gorilla subspecies. They have a noticeable eyebrow ridge, a broad skull, a large head, and thumbs that can move freely (opposable thumbs). They walk using their knuckles and grow a patch of grey hair on their backs as they grow older.
Cross River Gorillas
Cross River gorillas are another subspecies of the western gorilla. They were recognized as a separate group by Paul Matschie in 1904. These gorillas live in Takamanda National Park in Cameroon and Cross River National Park in Nigeria.
Takamanda National Park and the Kagwene Gorilla Sanctuary in Cameroon were created in 2008 to help protect Cross River gorillas. The sanctuary covers about 19 square kilometers between the Nijikwa and Mbulu forests.
Cross River gorillas are the most endangered gorilla subspecies, with fewer than 250 mature individuals left in the wild according to a 2014 survey. They build their nests depending on the season and changes in the environment.
These gorillas live in smaller groups of 5 to 7 individuals, unlike other gorilla species. Each group is led by a single silverback who controls the group and has the only right to mate with the females.
Cross River gorillas are herbivores. They eat leaves, stems, shoots, bark, fruit, and sometimes ants, termites, and insects.
Female Cross River gorillas reach sexual maturity between the ages of 9 and 10, earlier than the males. They can give birth every 4 to 6 years. Their fertility is low, and they are only fertile for 1 or 2 days each month. Once a baby gorilla is born, the mother breastfeeds it for about 3 to 4 years.
Gorillas are also grouped into the eastern gorilla species. This includes the eastern lowland gorillas and mountain gorillas.
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