Physical characteristics: Males silverback colouring extends onto the thighs, also have redder hair on their heads. Larger body and longer hair than eastern lowland gorilla.Ĭonservation status: Critically Endangered Physical characteristics: Large skull, wide face and angular nostrils. Scientific name: Gorilla beringei beringeiĬonservation Status: Critically Endangered Physical characteristics: Largest of gorilla sub species, longer arms than the mountain gorilla and shorter hair and teeth. Scientific name: Gorilla beringei graueri All subspecies live in varying habitats, have unique physical characteristics and have differing populations. Within these classifications are four subspecies including the Eastern Lowland Gorilla, Mountain Gorilla, Cross River Gorilla and Western Lowland Gorilla. There are two recognized gorilla species the Eastern Gorilla and Western Gorilla, defined by the areas in Africa which they inhabit. However conservation efforts persist and several governmental and non governmental organizations named 2009 the ‘Year of the Gorilla’ with the aim of working together to further improve gorilla conservation. Due to the vast dense areas in which they live it is difficult to monitor and protect gorilla populations and therefore difficult to implement successful conservation techniques. Subsequently all gorilla species are classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). In recent decades gorilla populations have been affected by habitat loss, disease and poaching. In the wild their only predators are leopards, which can attack vulnerable youngsters and the biggest threat to gorillas is man. They live in groups called a troop lead by a dominant silverback male, and are highly sociable animals, maintaining strong bonds between group members. Upon their discovery gorillas were classified as one species, however they are now separated into two species and four sub species according to geographical location and physical characteristics. Gorillas are classified as mammals, which is defined by the Oxford English dictionary as a ‘Warm-blooded vertebrate animal that has hair or fur, secretes milk, and (typically) bears live young’ (0ED 2010). Historically the gorilla has been portrayed as a vicious killer however they are shy gentle creatures that would not attack humans unless provoked. Unlike other primates they are terrestrial, meaning they do not climb trees and are land dwelling, inhabiting the tropical rainforests of central Africa. Gorillas are the largest members of the primate family and are closely related to humans, with 98% of their DNA identical to that of humans. Evolution, Social Structure, and Activities Communication, Reproduction, and Dietĭiseases and Threats Conservation and Saving Gorillas
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