Critically Endangered
Lowland Gorilla
(Gorilla gorilla)
Congolian Coastal Forests
STATISTICS
Height up to
1.8 m
Weight up to
270 kgs
Lifespan
40 Years
Powerful - Intelligent - Expert Climber - Tool Use
The smallest of the four gorilla subspecies, the Lowland Gorilla is native to the montane forests and lowland swamps of Central Africa. It possesses jet black skin and coarse black hair, which gains a tinge of grey as males age–leading to the name “silverbacks”.
The Lowland Gorilla frequently stands upright, but walks with hands curled into fists touching the ground. This style of movement works especially well due to its long arms, which have a span more significant than their standing height. The Lowland Gorilla travels in groups of 4 – 8 members for around 3 – 5 kilometers per day. It feeds on high-energy foods such as roots, shoots and fruits for sustenance.
Highly intelligent, the Lowland Gorilla has been known to fashion natural materials into tools that help it gather food more conveniently. This species also has the ability to learn and communicate through simple sign language in a laboratory setting.
BIODIVERSITY BENEFIT
Seed Disperser
THREATS
Poaching
Hunting for bushmeat is the number one threat to Gorilla species.
Disease
Infectious disease such as the Ebola virus is the secondary cause of population decline.
Habitat Destruction
Due to palm oil plantations, mineral extraction, agricultural and economic development.
Climate Change
Drying of this region will have negative consequences for forest ecology and will increase fire threats.
PROTECT THE WILDARK 100
