Mountain gorilla

Mountain Gorilla

The Mountain Gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei) is a subspecies of the Eastern Gorilla and one of the two species of gorillas, the largest living primates. They are distinguished from other gorillas by their longer hair, larger jaws and teeth, and broader chest.

Distribution and Habitat

Mountain Gorillas are found in two separate locations: the Virunga Mountains, a range of extinct volcanoes that border the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Uganda; and the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. They inhabit the high-altitude forests of these regions, typically above 2,200 meters.

Characteristics

Mountain Gorillas are highly social animals and live in stable, cohesive groups held together by long-term bonds between adult males and females. They are diurnal, most active between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. with many rest periods throughout the day.

Diet

Mountain Gorillas are primarily herbivores; the majority of their diet consists of leaves, shoots and stems, fruits, bark and roots. They are also known to eat small invertebrates.

Conservation Status

Mountain Gorillas are listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Threats to their survival include habitat loss due to agricultural expansion, war and civil unrest, illegal hunting, disease, and capture for the illegal pet trade.

See Also

• Eastern Gorilla
• Gorilla
• Virunga Mountains
• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park