Silverback Gorillas: facts, weight, size and where to see
Silverback Gorilla represent the largest primates on the planet. Gorillas are the closest cousins to humans after bonobos and chimpanzees, sharing around 98% of their DNA with humans. Gorillas inhabit the vast woods of East, Central, and Western Africa. Gorillas are categorized into two primary species: the eastern gorilla and the western gorilla. Measurements of a silverback gorilla,The western gorilla has two subspecies: the western lowland gorilla and the Cross River gorilla. Eastern gorillas comprise the Mountain Gorilla and the Eastern Lowland Gorilla, also referred to as Grauer’s Gorilla. The Eastern Lowland gorilla is the largest of all gorilla subspecies, succeeded in size by the mountain gorilla. The Cross River gorilla is the smallest of them.
Currently, there are about 300,000 Western lowland gorillas, 5,000 Eastern lowland gorillas, 1,000 mountain gorillas, and fewer than 400 Cross River gorillas. All gorilla subspecies are classified as severely endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This is due to a significant decline in their population during the past century. Human diseases, habitat damage, and poaching for meat are the most significant threats to the survival of wild gorillas.
Silverback Gorilla weight, height, size and Lifespan
Gorillas inhabit groups or familial units overseen by a Silverback. Silverback denotes a mature male gorilla rather than a specific species of gorillas. Silverback gorillas are characterized by a grayish-white hairline encircling the back and shoulders. A male gorilla that is no longer a juvenile but not yet an adult. A silverback gorilla is referred to as a blackback. A silverback is significantly larger than a female. A silverback gorilla possesses a larger head and body than a female and can weigh up to 270 kg. A male gorilla reaches adulthood at approximately 8 years of age. This is the moment when most individuals depart the group to be solitary or to associate with other males. They are currently still designated as Blackbacks. They attain the status of silverbacks only upon reaching full maturity, approximately at 12 to 13 years of age. This is also the period when the hair around the back and over the shoulders takes on a whitish or greyish hue.
An adult solitary blackback or silverback will reside near a certain group and endeavor to usurp the dominant silverback once he attains sufficient strength. Should he be unsuccessful in usurping the head of a certain gorilla family, he will endeavor to abduct females from that group to establish his own. It is significant to acknowledge that certain guys remain within their original group upon attaining maturity. They will remain loyal to the dominant silverback and assist in safeguarding the group from outsiders. This configuration is more prevalent among mountain gorillas and uncommon among Western lowland gorillas.
where to see silverback gorillas, silverback gorillas may inhabit a group, but only one silverback holds dominance. The dominating silverback serves as the group’s leader and possesses unequivocal authority. He prescribes what actions are to be taken and their timing. He dictates the timing for eating and resting and possesses the right to copulate with all the females in the group. The initiation of gorilla mating typically occurs when the female attains adulthood. A dominant silverback governs a troop comprising 5 to 35 members. A gorilla troop has multiple females, adolescents, newborns, and a few adult males. Females depart from the group upon attaining maturity to prevent mating with their father.
What is the strength of a silverback gorilla?
An adult silverback gorilla weighs approximately twice that of an adult male human. They possess strength exceeding that of an adult guy by more than ninefold. Their body weight and remarkable strength result from an elevated muscle mass ratio. Would a robust adult male stand a chance against a silverback gorilla in a confrontation? Although no confrontation has been documented between an adult male and a silverback gorilla, the outcome is evidently predictable. A furious silverback would pulverize the man. Silverback gorillas exhibit non-aggressive behavior until provoked.
Are silverback gorillas inherently aggressive?
The alpha silverback gorilla governs through charisma and exemplification. He consistently exhibits tranquility and seldom resorts to violence. A silverback gorilla exhibits aggression solely in response to perceived threats, intrusions, or to establish dominance. Intruders may refer to males from external groups, obstinate individuals inside his group, or animals such as leopards or humans approaching a non-habituated group. Upon identifying a threat or another silverback from a different group, a silverback gorilla will initially endeavor to deter the intruder. He accomplishes this by standing and beating on his chest.
Should the aforementioned activity be ineffective, he will rend and disrupt the vegetation towards the intruder while emitting a cacophonous noise. The silverback will subsequently execute a feigned assault utilizing all four limbs. If these measures fail and the threat or intruder remains unresponsive, the silverback will engage directly, striking with its hands or teeth. A silverback gorilla will protect his troop, particularly the infants, at all costs. One reason poachers and pet merchants pursue silverbacks is to catch their infants.
What is the diet of silverback gorillas?
Height of silverback gorilla, Silverback gorillas predominantly consume vegetation. This may comprise fruits, branches, and leaves. They also favor termites, ants, and certain insects. The nutrition of mountain gorilla silverbacks is somewhat distinct. It primarily comprises stems and leaves. They may additionally consume mushrooms, flowers, and bark. The season, whether rainy or dry, dictates the predominant type of food. Mountain gorillas generally experience an abundant existence due to their access to a wider array of plants compared to other gorilla subspecies. Isn’t it weird that such large and powerful creatures do not consume meat?
Where to see silverback gorillas in Africa
In which locations are silverback gorillas located? Silverback gorillas inhabit the deep forests of East, Central, and Western Africa. Lowland gorillas inhabit woods and wetlands next to the Congo River basin. Mountain Gorillas predominantly inhabit the enormous Virunga conservation area and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. To observe wild eastern lowland gorillas, one must visit Maiko National Park, Kahuzi-Biega National Park, Tayna Gorilla Reserve, the Itombwe Massif, and the Usala woodland.
Western lowland gorillas are extensively distributed over Gabon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, the Central African Republic, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, and the Republic of the Congo. Mountain gorillas inhabit Mgahinga National Park and Bwindi National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
What are the methods for observing silverback gorillas in Africa?
Information regarding silverback gorillas To observe silverback gorillas in their natural habitat, one must plan a trip to Africa. Numerous tour operators provide exceptional excursions to observe silverback gorillas. It is essential to obtain a gorilla permit and budget for other expenses related to gorilla trekking, including transportation, lodging, and meals. If you are a senior, consider reading about gorilla trekking for the elderly. The premier locations for observing gorillas include Bwindi National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Volcanoes National Park, Virunga National Park, and Kahuzi-Biega National Park.