Western Lowland Gorilla Facts & Information Guide
What Areas of the World Can You Find Western Lowland Gorilla?
Western Lowland Gorillas can be found mainly on the continent of Africa, more specifically in the following regions: Angola, Cameroon, Central African republic, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In general, the Western Lowland Gorilla can be typically found in climates that have a minimum temperature of 46 Fahrenheit and a maximum temperature of 104 Fahrenheit.
Western Lowland Gorillas are the smallest of the four subspecies of gorillas and are known for their gentle and docile nature.
They are herbivores and primarily feed on fruits, leaves, and stems, although they have been known to occasionally consume insects and other small animals. Western Lowland Gorillas are also known for their unique social structures, which are characterized by close family bonds and complex communication systems.
Despite their gentle nature, Western Lowland Gorillas are facing numerous threats to their existence. Habitat loss due to deforestation, illegal hunting, and disease outbreaks are among the most significant threats to their population. Conservation efforts are underway to protect their habitat and raise awareness about their plight.
The Western Lowland Gorilla is considered critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and concerted efforts are needed to ensure their survival in the wild.
How Big Are Western Lowland Gorillas?
Western Lowland Gorilla males are typically 5.6 feet tall. A fully grown male Western Lowland Gorilla is approximately 308 pounds.
Females tend to be 4.5 feet tall. A fully grown female Western Lowland Gorilla is approximately 200 pounds.
Population Status, Diet, & Attitude Towards Humans
The Western Lowland Gorilla population according to its IUCN status is considered Critically Endangered. Their population in the wild is 200000. They are usually Neutral towards humans.
The diet of the Western Lowland Gorilla is considered Omnivore which means they eat both plant and vegetation as well as meat.
| Food Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Fruits | Bananas, oranges, apples, papayas, figs |
| Leaves | Bamboo shoots, celery, spinach, kale, collard greens |
| Stems | Bamboo stems, sugarcane, celery stems |
| Flowers | Hibiscus, dandelion, rose, violet |
| Bark | Willow bark, eucalyptus bark |
| Insects | Termites, ants, grubs |
| Small Animals | Rodents, reptiles, snails |
Western Lowland Gorillas have large, powerful jaws and teeth that allow them to easily crush tough plant material and consume fibrous fruits and leaves.
Western Lowland Gorillas play a crucial role in their ecosystem, as they help to disperse seeds and maintain the balance of their habitat. As they travel through the forest in search of food, they disperse seeds throughout their territory, which helps to ensure the survival of plant species in the area. They are also important herbivores, helping to regulate the growth of certain plant species and promoting the growth of others. The loss of Western Lowland Gorillas would have significant ecological consequences, making their conservation efforts all the more important.
How Long Do Western Lowland Gorilla Live & How Many Offspring?
The life expectancy of a male Western Lowland Gorilla is typically 41 years. They are considered fully mature by the age of 10 years old. Females can generally be fertile for about 31 years after reaching the age of maturity.
Female Western Lowland Gorilla have 1-1 children at a time during pregnancy . The pregnancy lasts approximately 9 months. After birth, there is approximately a period of 60 months before they can become pregnant again.
The mating behaviors of the Western Lowland Gorilla are Polygynous which means A mating system where one male mates with multiple females.
