What is a western low land gorilla?
The western low land gorilla has black to grayish or reddish- brown hair that covers the body except face, soles of hand and feet, and upper chest.
Facts about Western low land gorillas
- They are the most numerous of all gorilla species and have the widest habitat range- zoos and the wild.
- Western low land gorillas are the only sub species kept in zoos, with rare exceptions.
- They are slightly smaller, have dark brown- grey coats with auburn chests and large skull. Mature males have white hair on their backs.
- Averagely they weigh between 68-227kg; males about twice the size of females. An adult male weighs between 136 and 227kg and stands around 1.8m (6ft) tall. Females weigh between 68-90kg and stand around 1.4m (4.5ft).
- Western low land gorillas are herbivorous. They feed on fruits, leaves, shoots, herbs and bark.
- The life expectancy of a western low land gorilla is 35 years both in the wild and captivity although the captive ones live longer.
- They inhabit rain forests and forested areas of swamps, rivers and fields.
- Most populations live in Congo, but also West Africa- Cameroon, Angola, Gabon, Central African Republic, and Equatorial Guinea at low elevations ranging from sea level to 1300 meters.
- Western low land Gorillas biggest predators are leopards and human beings.
- Socially, they live in groups of one-to-thirty gorillas, usually averaging between 4 and 8 members. Each gorilla family is led by an adult male.
- They are generally non aggressive although the male may make an aggressive display when challenged.
- Female western low land gorillas reach maturity at around 8-9 years and don’t reproduce when caring for the young.