Cross River gorilla

The Cross River gorilla (Gorilla gorilla diehli) is a subspecies of the western gorilla, found in a small forested region along the Cross River, which separates Nigeria and Cameroon. It is the most critically endangered of all gorilla subspecies, with fewer than 250 individuals remaining.1

Gorillas are the largest of the apes and are close relatives to humans, sharing a common ancestor about 10 million years ago. They inhabit tropical forests in equatorial Africa and are robust, powerful primates with black skin and hair. Adult males, known as silverbacks, are distinguished by a prominent crest on their skull and a saddle of gray or silver hairs on their lower back.1

Gorillas live in stable family groups led by one or more silverback males. They are diurnal and primarily terrestrial, using knuckle-walking for locomotion. Their diet is vegetarian, with eastern gorillas consuming leaves and stalks, while western gorillas eat more fruit.1

Unfortunately, gorillas face significant threats from human activities, including habitat destruction and poaching, particularly for the bushmeat trade. Conservation efforts, including ecotourism, are underway to protect these endangered primates.1