Classification of Gorillas
Class – Mammalia
Order – Primates
Suborder – Apes
Genus – gorilla gorillas
Gorillas are the largest of these primates. Gorillas are large, powerful, animals, often portrayed as ‘wild’ and aggressive. The reality is that they are shy, peaceful vegetarians, that share the best characteristics and emotional intelligence of humans. Unfortunately it is the worst characteristics of humans (that gorillas do not share)that threatens the future existence of these magnificent primates.
Gorillas are the closest relatives to humans in the animal kingdom. They are similar to people not only in appearance but also in that they are highly intelligent and form complex social groups. Apes are divided into the lesser apes(the gibbons) and the larger, more human-like great apes – the gorillas, orangutan and chimpanzees.
Gorillas are endangered species which are extremely interesting to observe. A Rwandan gorilla safari can be described as “life changing” with a lifelike reason. Watching these gentle creatures in their natural habitat is frankly a fabulous moment one should not miss on their travel to Rwanda. The way these strong and powerful species communicate should not be under looked. Usually, the gorilla family can be dispersed over a small area of dense vegetation. They keep their interactions on while feeding without any concern of human visitors although they will perceive you with attention.
Generally, a playful youngster will boldly advance towards you while interested in something, at times they get really near that you may move away. One is not allowed to get close to them less than 7 meters; this is to protect the gorillas from infectious human diseases. There are seven gorilla families available for tourists and 8 tourists allowed per group to go for trekking: As a group, you progress to the forest and begin the hike which may be exhausting depending on your physical strength.
About to Gorilla
Gorillas comprise the eponymous genus Gorilla, the largest extant genus of primates. They are ground-dwelling, predominantly herbivorous apes that inhabit the forests of central Africa. Gorillas can be found at high altitudes such as Albertine Rift montain forests. They live at high altitudes of up to 14,000 ft. Gorillas are also among the closest relatives to human beings. It is said that 99% of the DNA of the Gorilla is similar to the DNA of human beings. Chimpanzee is also one of the closest relative of Gorilla and human beings.
Where Do Gorillas Live?
Gorillas are found in different parts of Africa. Most gorillas live in a group led by a single male, known as a silverback. The groups usually number between five and 30, although they sometimes number up to 40 members. Groups tend to be smaller and denser in lowland forest where food sources are more scarce.
Having stated this, the group is akin to a harem, where adult females have different ranks among themselves. There is always one dominant silverback. He is central, while females dominate juveniles and juveniles pull rank according to age. The silverback takes care of the group, always facing up to deadly intruders, and tolerates the infants that scramble over him.
Gorilla Species
Gorillas are classified into two species; the Eastern Gorilla and the Western Gorilla. These two species are further divided into two sub species; the Mountain Gorilla and the Eastern Lowland Gorilla belonging to the Eastern Gorilla and the Western Lowland Gorilla and Cross River Gorilla belonging to the Western Gorilla.
the second speciess found in world.
Meet the Gorillas in the Wild!
You can get started on an unbelievable wildlife adventure — gorilla trekking in the impenetrable jungles of Africa for just $900!
Gorilla Treks brings you face to face with a world of excitement – meeting the endangered gorillas in the wild!
Rwanda Mountain Gorillas
Mountain gorillas are one of the world’s most sought after largest primates and undoubtedly the most magnificent wild creatures to interact with. A trip to the luxuriant Volcanoes National Park to view these star attractions is incomparably the most inspiring travel experience that comes once in a life time. Volcanoes National Park is one of the only four protected areas in Africa that attract visitors for gorilla trekking experiences. The park is remarkably a home to over 490 rare mountain gorillas out of all the renowned gorillas that live within the Virunga Massif. They are inhabited between 2300 and 4500 meters above sea level just within the Southern side of the Virunga National Park, the Volcanoes National Park where a few of them also live in the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Southwestern Uganda. The 3 incredible parks represent the Africa’s Virunga complex which also comes with eight great volcano mountains.
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is an amazing experience which offers a tourist chance to view the primates in the thick forest on Volcanoes. These rare apes are only tracked in habituated gorilla groups and in Rwanda, there are only ten gorilla families that are tracked by visitors every day; they include the Susa gorilla family, Sabyinyo family, Amahoro, Group 13 also known as Agasha family, Kwitonda family, Umubano gorilla family, Bwengye, Hirwa family, Ugenda gorilla family and Karisimbi gorilla family.
Rwanda’s gorilla families are also divided into 2; those that are set for research purposes and the other is set for scientists and researchers, the two groups include Beetsme and Pablo’s shida’s gorilla family. They are famously known to inhabit the biggest population of mountain gorillas.
A face to face interaction with these impressive creatures in their natural habitat is the most craved moment that every one wishes to have in life. Despite such tremendous experiences, mountain gorillas have the slowest reproductive cycle and they only give birth to only one baby gorilla at a time and yet they are the world’s critically endangered species. Unlike human beings, for a female mountain gorilla to give birth to twin gorillas in the wild is the most splendid event in the gorilla home. Luckily, the Volcanoes National Park is remarkably credited for this tremendous opportunity. The newly born gorillas have a low survival rate in the wild and this is attributed to hardships in their daily care given the fact that a gorilla mother is absolutely responsible for the infant care at their early birth stage. For humans, things can be a bit softer but for a mother gorilla to give other family members to hold or help in any other way possible is something rare in a gorilla life. A mother gorilla will want everything to be solely done by her.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gorillas
Can Gorillas Swim?
Gorillas cannot swim and for that reason they keep on avoiding large water bodies like lakes and rivers unlike other animals that like to play with water. In search of food they sometimes wade through swamps on two legs with the water reaching up to their waist.
If gorillas are surprised by a rain shower, they simply stay motionless and wait for the rain to stop. If there is a cave or a similar shelter close by, they will sit underneath, but they will never use large leaves or branches to cover themselves.
Which Food Do Gorillas Eat?
Mountain gorillas are vegetarians primarily dwelling on leaves, shoots, roots, stems, tree barks and flowers. They also feed on fruits, bamboo shoots and wild celery. Their main home is the hagenia forest since their food is explored within this area throughout the year. The Bamboo shoots tends to grow faster and tender shoots are accessible in the months of August and December.