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Western Lowland Gorilla

The Western Lowland Gorilla, with its striking silverback and expressive eyes, roams the lush forests of Central Africa. A keystone species, their foraging aids plant diversity. Known for close-knit family bonds, their gentle demeanor contrasts their powerful presence, captivating onlookers with their intelligence and grace.

35-50 years
Lifespan
100.0 - 200.0 kg
Weight
Height: 1.4 - 1.7 m
Size
Grey, Black
Color
25 mph
Top Speed
Characteristics
Western lowland gorillas inhabit the dense and humid rainforests of Central Africa. They are known for their robust build, gentle nature, and complex social structures. With a diet mainly of fruits, leaves, and nuts, they play a crucial role in seed dispersion, contributing to forest regeneration.
Distribution Range of the Western Lowland Gorilla
The Gorilla gorilla gorilla, commonly known as the Western Lowland Gorilla, is native to the tropical rainforests of Central Africa. Its geographical distribution includes countries such as Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and the Republic of the Congo. The species is primarily found in lowland tropical forests, swamps, and forests near rivers.
Western Lowland Gorilla's Habitat
Environmental Conditions
Western Lowland Gorillas inhabit dense tropical rainforests characterized by high humidity and frequent rainfall, with annual precipitation often exceeding 1,500 mm. The temperature in their habitat typically ranges from 23°C to 27°C. These forests are rich in biodiversity and provide a complex structure of vegetation, including a canopy layer that offers shade and a variety of fruit-bearing trees, which are a primary food source for gorillas.
Ecological Niche
The ecological niche of the Western Lowland Gorilla includes being a herbivorous forager with a diet consisting mainly of fruit, leaves, stems, and occasionally insects. They play a crucial role in seed dispersal, contributing to forest regeneration and ecosystem health. Gorillas are generally found in family groups led by a dominant male, known as a silverback, and their social structures are integral to their survival. Variations in habitat can occur due to differences in altitude and vegetation density, but they generally prefer areas with abundant food resources.