Want to understand why silverback gorillas fight? Male gorillas become silverbacks when they mature and develop a patch of grey hair on their backs and across their shoulders.
Only silverback male gorillas can lead a mountain gorilla family and mate with any female in the group.
Female mountain gorillas become sexually mature at an early age compared to male gorillas.
Why do silverback gorillas fight?
Silverback gorillas normally don’t fight unnecessarily, but when the need arises, they fight vigorously, causing injuries that sometimes lead to death, although fights are rare in stable gorilla groups.
Below are some of the reasons why silverback gorillas fight:
Group dominance: Silverback gorillas normally fight when one of the male silverbacks in the group wants to take over the dominance of the group.
Female mountain gorillas: Sometimes mountain gorilla silverbacks fight when a dominating silverback realizes that a male in the group is mating with the females. The dominating silverback in the group is the only one allowed to access the group’s females.
Silverbacks of different groups: Silverback mountain gorillas sometimes fight when two gorilla groups meet; they feel threatened, and the silverbacks start fighting.
Group breakups: Silverbacks also fight when a male wants to leave the group with some members to start up his own family.
Lone silverbacks: Silverback gorillas sometimes fight with lone silverbacks who aim at grabbing some members from other gorilla groups to start up their own families.
In conclusion, mountain gorillas normally don’t engage in fights without sending warnings to their opponents, such as groaning and making loud hoots, hitting the ground thunderously, beating their chest, throwing and tearing vegetation. Silverbacks always send threatening signs before attacking, and if the opponent persists, they will eventually attack.
Mountain gorillas use their strong canine teeth for biting and their strong muscular hands for beating; they cause deep gaping injuries and can sometimes drag the predator.
It’s uncommon for mountain gorillas to attack humans except for unhabituated gorilla families not used to human presence.
Cost of gorilla permits
The cost of gorilla permits differs in all three countries, with Rwanda charging $1500, the Democratic Republic of Congo $400, and Uganda costing $700. Gorilla permits are always in high demand, so they should be obtained in advance before flying into the country for gorilla trekking.
Children under the age of 15 years or sick visitors will not be allowed to trek mountain gorillas.
