In Africa, gorilla habitats are being destroyed by the mining of minerals that are used in the manufacture of handheld electronic devices. Wild gorillas have been observed using rocks and sticks as rudimentary tools. Each night, they sleep in new nests built on the ground (larger males) or in trees (juveniles and lighter females). Although they can climb trees, they spend most of their time on the ground. They spread out but keep in touch using a quiet call known as belch vocalization. They “knuckle-walk” using their front knuckles and back feet. An adult male gorilla aged 10–12 years, begins to develop silver hair on his back, signaling his maturity.ĭuring the day, gorillas forage for food. Juvenile males may live alone or in bachelor groups until they meet females and form their own troops. Mature females leave their natal groups for other troops or single silverbacks.

At around three to four months of age, the infant rides on the mother’s back and will do so until weaned (around four to five years of age) at six to seven months, the youngster walks and climbs independently. It is thought these gorillas may be related or know each other from past encounters.įemales typically give birth to one infant after a gestation period of eight to nine months. New studies have revealed that gorilla troops with overlapping territories sometimes meet up peacefully. They are capable of attacking and they are very strong. Males may beat their chests, charge at one another, scream, bark, or wave sticks. The silverback’s job is to protect his family, so when gorilla troops meet, rival males can display aggression. Families are led by a dominant male called a “silverback,” referring to the silver hair on his back, and include several females, infants, younger males, and juveniles. For the most part, they live quiet, peaceful, and non-aggressive lives. They share about 98 percent of their DNA with humans. Gorillas are the largest, most powerful of the great apes, a primate group that also includes chimpanzees, bonobos, and orangutans.

Western gorilla