The western lowland gorillas are some of the most interesting primate species visitors on African safari shouldn’t miss to catch a glimpse. Scientifically, they are referred to as Gorilla gorilla gorilla and forms one of the 2 sub-species of the western gorilla which is best referred to as Gorilla gorilla which dwells mainly in montane forest, primary and secondary forested areas as well as lowland swampland in Central Africa. Unlike mountain gorillas, the Western lowland gorillas come in small sizes compared to all the 4 sub-species of gorillas.
Where to find the Western lowland gorillas
Unlike mountain gorillas which only exist in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), it is possible to see the western lowland gorillas in the Republic of the Congo, Central African Republic, Angola, Equatorial Guinea, DRC, Gabon and Cameroon. They are the only sub-species of gorillas which can live in the zoos, except Amahoro-the female Eastern lowland gorillas which is kept at Antwerp Zoo.
Brief facts about the Western lowland gorillas
Western lowland gorillas are arguably the smallest of all the 4 sub-species of gorillas although they feature an exceptional size and strength. They are known for their sexual dimorphism, featuring no tails with jet black skin and black hair covering the whole body apart from the face, hands, feet and ears.
The hair on the backs of western lowland gorillas and rump of males are grey and as they grow old, the hair disappears. This is why mature males are best referred to as silverbacks. Their hands are large with nails on all digits same to those of human beings. They have large thumbs and short muscles, brow ridges, large nostrils with tiny eyes and ears.
The muscles around the jaw area are large and broad. The teeth are strong especially the front canines and large molars at the back of the mouth that they use to chew fruits and vegetables.
Male Western lowland gorillas can rise about 1.8m tall and weigh about 270kgs. The average weight is about 140kgs while females weigh about 90kgs. In captivity, males can weigh about 275kgs and rise about 1.63m whereas females can stand about 1.5m.
The Western lowland gorillas live in family and they range between 8 and 45sq.kms. Each group may consist of about 30 members, each led by a silverback gorilla (a mature male gorilla). They can move about 3 to 5kms every day.
These apes use about 22 various ways to communicate, mostly by hoots, barks, screams and each of these convey a different message.
Female western lowland gorillas have a gestation period of about 8-9 months which is similar to humans. Females give birth to single baby at a time just like other gorilla sub-species.
The survival of western lowland gorillas in their habitat is highly threatened by habitat loss, human infectious diseases, poaching and many more.
Female western lowland gorillas can reach maturity age from 10 to 12 years unlike males which become mature about 15 to 20 years.