Gorilla Revealed: 10 Fascinating Facts about Gorillas.
A Gorilla are very captivating creature with countless unique features that make them stand out. Gorillas are found in different countries in Africa, including Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Uganda, Equatorial Guinea, Central African Republic and Cameroon.
Gorillas are divided into 2 subspecies; eastern gorilla and the western gorilla.
This article will focus on the Eastern Gorillas due to conservation efforts by these 3 countries; Uganda, Rwanda and Congo that made sure that the specie once on verge of extinction is preserved.
They are gentle apes remaining in the Virungas, in the northwest of Rwanda part of volcanoes as well as Mgahinga in the southwest part of Uganda and also the Virungas of the central part. Gorillas can also be found in Bwindi impenetrable national park located in the southwest part of Uganda.
Because Uganda is one of the only countries where you can find gorillas species, many tourists love to visit the pearl of Africa to view these amazing mammals and join in the trekking safaris.
Therefore, if you’re planning for a Uganda gorilla safari, you need to know some facts about awesome primates and below are listed;
Facts about Gorilla:
Gorilla Description:
Mountain gorillas stand out with their long, thick fur, a distinctive feature setting them apart from other gorilla species. Additionally, they boast unique nose prints, while male mountain gorillas tip the scales at double the weight of their female counterparts.
With deep, dark brown eyes encircled by a black ring, these magnificent creatures typically weigh around 220kg (490lb) and reach heights of 1.9m (6ft). Adult males, known as silverbacks, earn their moniker from the gray or silver hair that adorns their backs.
The tallest confirmed silverback measured a towering 1.94m. While predominantly terrestrial, gorillas will scale tree branches if sturdy enough to support their weight.
Gorilla Life Cycle:
An interesting statistic, gorillas and humans share a staggering 98% genetic similarity. Females typically reach sexual maturity around 7-8 years of age, while males tend to mature later.
Female gorillas typically enter their breeding phase around the age of 10, with births occurring after a gestation period of approximately 8-9 months. This cycle repeats every 4-5 years. Consequently, these majestic creatures can live up to 54 years of age.
Gorilla Habitat and Diet:
In Uganda, two primary locations host these majestic creatures: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Among them, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park boasts the largest gorilla population, with over 400 individuals thriving within its depths.
Shrouded by a dense canopy that filters sunlight, Bwindi earns its moniker as the “place of darkness.” Here, the gentle giants predominantly feast on a variety of vegetation, comprising leaves, shoots, and stems (85.8% from 142 plant species).
Additionally, their diet includes flowers (2.3%), roots (3.3%), fruits (1.7%), bark (6.9%), and occasionally, small invertebrates (0.1%).
Adult male eastern gorillas can consume up to 34kg (75lb) of vegetation daily, while their female counterparts typically consume up to 34kg (40lb).
Gorilla Social Structure:
In the Virunga Gorillas, the typical tenure of a dominant silverback spans approximately 4.7 years. About 61% of groups consist of a single adult male alongside several females, while 36% comprise multiple adult males.
These magnificent creatures form cohesive groups of up to 30 members, consisting of females and their offspring. The esteemed leaders and elder gorillas, known as silverbacks, assume the responsibility of overseeing all family activities and ensuring the well-being of the young ones.
Silverbacks also dictate the group’s movements and stand as vigilant protectors, shielding the family from threats posed by humans, predators like leopards, and other primates. During resting periods, they command attention as the focal point of the group.
Upon the demise of a dominant silverback, the family structure may undergo upheaval unless another male silverback assumes leadership. In some cases, this transition may prompt family members to splinter and join other unrelated groups.
Behavior:
Given their formidable strength, many wonder if gorillas are inherently dangerous. However, the truth is that these majestic creatures are typically gentle and reserved in nature.
Remarkably, gorillas share similar emotions with humans. They express distress through cries when injured and exhibit joy through laughter during moments of happiness. Witnessing such emotional depth is truly a marvel!
Aggression:
Under normal circumstances, these gentle giants maintain peace and tranquility. However, if provoked or disturbed, they can become unpredictable and may resort to aggression, particularly when tourists encroach upon their serene environment.
Visitors are strongly advised to maintain a respectful distance from gorillas and refrain from any actions that could be perceived as threatening, such as mimicking their behaviors or using flash photography. Such gestures can disrupt their natural behavior and provoke unwanted reactions.
Vocalization:
Gorillas employ a variety of sounds to communicate with one another. Among their repertoire are 25 distinct vocalizations, each serving a specific purpose, whether during social interactions or self-discipline.
The resounding roars and piercing screams, often emanating from silverbacks, serve as signals and warnings. Conversely, during periods of relaxation and feeding, the air fills with deep, rumbling hiccups, signifying contentment, a sound that resonates repeatedly throughout the group.
Fears:
It seems that Eastern Gorillas harbor a natural aversion to certain insects and reptiles. Despite their innate curiosity, even infants, known for their inclination to investigate anything that moves, will actively avoid encounters with chameleons and other reptiles.
Moreover, they exhibit apprehension toward bodies of water, unless they can traverse streams without getting wet.
Gorillas Like Routine:
Certain gorillas adhere to a distinctive daily regimen, often rising promptly at 6:00 am to commence their search for ample quantities of vegetation to consume.
However, in colder weather conditions, they may take a brief respite before resuming their quest for sustenance until nightfall at 6:00 pm.
These colossal primates typically indulge in a midday slumber. Remarkably, they seldom drink water, as they derive much of their hydration from the plants they consume.
Use Tools:
Gorillas display remarkable intelligence and uniqueness among mammals. Habituated individuals, for instance, are adept at learning sign languages and communicating with humans, quickly adapting to make their lives more convenient. They ingeniously utilize sticks and branches to extract insects from the ground or hollow trees.
Moreover, these primates exhibit extraordinary caregiving behaviors. They construct beds for themselves and their offspring using leaves, twigs, and vines, a practice that showcases their remarkable nurturing instincts.
In addition to their resourcefulness, gorillas demonstrate a sense of community and protection. They employ branches to rescue young members entangled in vines and assist them in traversing streams and creeks by fashioning makeshift bridges from logs.
This compassionate behavior, often led by the silverback, extends to removing snares from the young ones, highlighting their exceptional empathy and care within their social groups.
Vulnerability (Human Diseases):
With a genetic similarity of 98% to humans, gorillas are susceptible to contracting human diseases such as flu and cough, along with various other communicable illnesses, within a short span of exposure to tourists.
To mitigate this risk, tourists are urged to limit group sizes to a maximum of 8 members when visiting gorilla families and are advised to spend no more than 1 hour per day in the company of these gentle giants.
In light of these considerations, travelers embarking on gorilla safaris in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo must remain vigilant and familiarize themselves with mountain gorilla characteristics for an unforgettable Gorilla Trekking safari experience.
The last image of the gorilla looks thrilling, aren’t these creatures dangerous?!