Western Lowland Gorilla (*Gorilla gorilla gorilla*): Ecological & Behavioral profile

Western Lowland Gorilla (*Gorilla gorilla gorilla*): Ecological and Behavioral Profile 

#### **Taxonomy and Classification** 
- **Kingdom:** Animalia 
- **Phylum:** Chordata 
- **Class:** Mammalia 
- **Order:** Primates 
- **Family:** Hominidae 
- **Genus:** *Gorilla* 
- **Subspecies:** *Gorilla gorilla gorilla* 

#### **Geographic Distribution and Habitat** 
Western Lowland Gorillas inhabit the tropical rainforests and swamp forests of Central Africa, with core populations in: 
- **Countries:** Cameroon, Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Republic of the Congo, and Angola (Cabinda enclave). 
- **Elevation Range:** Sea level to 1,600 meters. 
- **Habitat Characteristics:** Dense primary and secondary forests, characterized by high rainfall (1,500–4,000 mm annually) and minimal seasonal variation. Swamp forests ("bais") serve as critical foraging sites due to nutrient-rich vegetation. 

#### **Social Structure** 
- **Group Composition:** Multimale-multifemale units averaging 5–10 individuals, though groups may exceed 20. 
- **Leadership:** Dominant silverback male (aged ≥12 years) governs group movement, conflict resolution, and resource access. Silverbacks exhibit dorsal silvery hair and pronounced sagittal crest. 
- **Social Dynamics:** 
  - Females typically emigrate at maturity to avoid inbreeding. 
  - Alloparenting occurs, with juveniles cared for by multiple group members. 
  - Solitary males ("bachelors") may form transient associations. 

#### **Foraging Ecology and Diet** 
- **Feeding Strategy:** Herbivorous, with folivory-frugivory specialization. 
- **Diet Composition:** 
  - **Primary:** Leaves, stems, pith (e.g., *Marantaceae*, *Zingiberaceae*). 
  - **Secondary:** Fruits (e.g., *Dialium*, *Ficus*), termites, ants (protein supplementation). 
- **Daily Intake:** ~18–20 kg of vegetation. 
- **Foraging Behavior:** 
  - Knuckle-walking locomotion during terrestrial travel. 
  - Nest-building nightly using bent vegetation (ground or arboreal). 

#### **Reproductive Biology** 
- **Sexual Maturity:** Females at 7–8 years; males at 10–12 years. 
- **Gestation:** 8.5 months; single offspring typical (twins rare). 
- **Interbirth Interval:** 4–5 years, influenced by maternal condition and resource availability. 

#### **Conservation Status** 
- **IUCN Red List:** Critically Endangered (2018 assessment). 
- **Population Estimate:** < 100,000 individuals (uncertain due to remote habitats). 
- **Threats:** 
  - **Habitat Loss:** Logging, mining, and agricultural expansion (e.g., palm oil plantations). 
  - **Disease:** Ebola virus (Zaire ebolavirus) caused 33–45% population decline in protected areas (1990s–2000s).

📷 Calgary Zoo