Save the Mountain Gorillas – Part II

A Mother Gorilla with her baby

Please click here to read the first part of this blog series.

Mountain Gorillas face a variety of threats in their day-to-day lives. When two mountain gorilla groups cross paths, there is a chance for confrontations as Silverbacks try to acquire females from the other group. The same happens when an adult Silverback tries to overthrow the reigning Silverback to take over his group. But, in most of the instances, gorillas indulge in chest-beating and bluff charges, at which point, the confrontation is called off. Gorillas are very gentle by nature, quite contrary to movies like ‘King Kong’ and always try to avoid violent confrontation as much as possible.

Gorillas also face danger from leopards, which often prey on them.

But the Mountain Gorillas face their biggest danger from Man himself.

• Poaching – Gorillas often fall victim to traps, intended NOT for them but other animals like pigs. In addition, baby gorillas are sought by poachers for the illegal pet trade and this leads to the entire Gorilla family getting massacred. 
• Civil Wars – The Civil Wars have led to mines being placed in the forests, leading to heavy fatalities among the Mountain Gorillas
•  Loss of Habitat – Right next to the forests frequented by Gorillas, there are human settlements. As humans take up more and more land for cultivation and other purposes, this leads to habitat loss and gorillas end up raiding the crops for food, leading to retaliation and further gorilla deaths.
•  Close contact with human beings – Gorillas are highly susceptible to human diseases. This means that in addition to the poachers, gorillas are at a very high risk even from volunteers and conservationists, who are dedicated to protecting the lives of Gorillas.

Senkwekwe's family of Mountain Gorillas was massacred by poachers in 2007

To counter these challenges, many organizations and individuals are putting in their best efforts to save this magnificent species. Despite increased patrolling against the poachers and regularly removing the snares/traps, expanding the national park areas to prevent habitat loss and educating school children about the importance and need to save the Gorillas, the current situation looks very grim.

A Silverback Gorilla ponders his grim future

Today, only 786 Mountain Gorillas survive in the wild.

ACT NOW. For more on how YOU can help save Mountain Gorillas, please visit the following sites:

Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, Inc

Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project, Inc 

If you enjoyed this post, please subscribe to this blog by clicking here. 

Image Sources: The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, igorilla.org

You might also like:

Gorillas in the Mist by Dian Fossey

The Edge of Eden: Living with the Grizzlies

Save the Mountain Gorillas - Part I

A Baby Mountain Gorilla

Mountain Gorillas have captivated humans all over the world. Gorillas share more than 95% of our DNA and are one of our closest relatives.

Today, only 786 Mountain Gorillas survive in the wild.

My aim in this series of blog posts is to make people aware of the dire situation of this critically endangered species.

Introduction 

• The scientific name of Mountain Gorilla is Gorilla beringei beringei, in honor of Captain von Beringe, who discovered the species in 1902.

Physical Characteristics

•  Mountain Gorillas have the thickest fur among all the gorillas, as part of their adaptation to the severe cold climates high up in the altitudes.
•  Gorillas are identified by their nose prints, similar to how each human being has a unique fingerprint.
• Adult Male Gorillas are called Silverbacks, as silver-colored hair develops on their back as they age.
• Silverbacks can weigh around 400 pounds and are twice the size of females.

A Silverback Gorilla

Family and Social Lives

• Gorillas live in big groups, led by the dominant Silverback.
• Silverbacks are very protective of their family and will make the ultimate sacrifice (if needed) to defend their group. They are supported by other silverbacks and blackbacks (sexually immature male gorillas) in defending the group.
• Gorillas are shy, gentle and highly intelligent. They live emotionally rich lives and form complex social bonds. Scientists have also discovered that Gorillas laugh when tickled.
• Male Gorillas usually leave their natal group on reaching sexual maturity, to form their own groups. They do this by acquiring females from their other groups.
• Female Gorillas leave their natal group once they reach sexual maturity to avoid inbreeding.
• The gestation period for a female gorilla is approximately 9 months, very similar to humans.
• Mother Gorillas take care of their newborns for up to 5 years.
• Baby Gorillas are extremely playful and curious, similar to human babies.
• Silverbacks form very close bonds with the young members of their group and spend lot of time with them.
• Grooming is an important part in the lives of Gorillas and helps form close relationships.
• Gorillas sleep in nests built on trees.

Gorillas are social animals

Food

• Led by the dominant Silverback, Gorillas spend a considerable time foraging for food.
• Gorillas mainly feed on plant leaves, shoots and stems.
• They get most of their water from their food itself.

Please click here to read the next blog post, where I discuss the challenges and the threats they face today.

Mountain Gorillas need our active support. For more on how YOU can help save Mountain Gorillas, please visit the following sites:

Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, Inc

Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project, Inc

If you enjoyed this post, please subscribe to this blog by clicking here.

Image Sources: The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, Virunga National Park

You might also like:

Gorillas in the Mist by Dian Fossey

The Edge of Eden: Living with the Grizzlies