Gorillas are a species of the great African ape and are categorized majorly into two species that is to say the eastern and western gorillas.
Western gorillas.
Western gorillas are the most abundant species of gorillas and they inhabit majorly the densely forested parts of central Africa. These gorilla species are further subdivided into two namely the Cross River gorilla and western lowland gorillas.
Eastern gorillas.
Eastern gorillas are endemic to the mountainous forested regions of Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo and they are also further subdivided into two that is to say the mountain gorillas and eastern lowland gorillas which is also known as grauers gorilla.
The four subspecies of gorillas.
Western lowland gorillas. The western lowland gorillas are endemic to West and Central Africa and inhabit the countries of Angola, Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo and Gabon. Western lowland gorillas can grow up to a body mass of about 120 kilograms in males. They are the most abundant gorilla species accounting for approximately 350,000 that are left in the wild. Western lowland gorillas can be seen in zoos, this is mainly due to their high adaptability and easy diet.
Cross River gorillas. Cross River gorillas are classified as distinct species by IUCN and are critically endangered as per the 2006 report. Cross River gorillas normally inhabit the river banks within the forests which partially explains why they are named so. They are endemic to mountain forests in the parts of Nigeria and Cameroon. Cross River gorilla adults can weigh up to 440 pounds and can grow up to 5 feet long. They are the most threatened species due to human activities in the form of poaching and encroaching on their land for settlements and agricultural purposes.
There are only 350 Cross River gorillas remaining in the wild which therefore calls for urgent action by all stakeholders to ensure that their numbers rise.
Eastern lowland gorillas (Grauer’s gorilla). This attractive gorilla species is found in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo in Kahuzi Biega National Park, and Maiko National Park in Itombwe massif. Eastern lowland gorillas are the largest among all the gorilla species and they are characterized by a short muzzle, stocky body and larger hands that make them quite identical. Eastern lowland gorillas being the largest, the males can grow up to about the mass of 210 kilograms and females 76 kilograms. They have black coats and short hair. They are considered the third most critically endangered according to IUCN reports and there are roughly 7500 only remaining in the wild.
Mountain gorillas. Mountain gorillas can be accessed and observed in the Virunga mountain ranges. They inhabit forested regions in Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mountain gorillas generally live in higher altitudes ranging from 8000 to 12,000 feet above sea level. They are also renowned for inhabiting mountain slopes, especially in the bamboo forests. Mountain gorillas are characterized by thick and long fur which partly explains why they can withstand the cold temperatures in the Virunga massif. Only 1063 mountain gorillas are remaining in the wild and they too are threatened by habitat loss and poaching. Mountain gorillas can be accessed and observed in the thick tropical rainforests of Bwindi and also in the volcanic areas of Mgahinga National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in the northwest of Rwanda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Do gorillas eat meat?
It is important to note that gorillas can eat meat when it is served to them. This is evident with the captive gorillas in zoos that irresistibly feast on the meat when it is provided to them. It is also important to remember that not all gorillas can be kept in zoos except some species, especially the western lowland gorillas. Mountain gorillas cannot be kept in zoos due to their difficult diet which can be hard to maintain and the fact that they are picky in their habitats also makes them hard to put in the zoos. Gorillas however have mostly a vegetarian diet and they feed on plant stems, bamboo shoots, fruits, termites, and ants and also have the appetite for some invertebrates.
