eastern lowland gorilla

The eastern lowland gorilla, also known as Grauer's gorilla (G. beringei graueri), is a subspecies of the eastern gorilla (G. beringei). It inhabits the lowland rainforests of the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Gorillas are the largest of the apes and are close relatives to humans, sharing a common ancestor about 10 million years ago.1

Eastern lowland gorillas are robust primates with black skin and hair, thick chests, and protruding abdomens. Adult males are significantly larger than females, often developing a distinctive silver saddle of hair on their backs, earning them the name "silverback".1

These 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, consisting mainly of leaves, stalks, and shoots, with a greater consumption of fruit compared to their eastern gorilla relatives.1

Unfortunately, eastern lowland gorillas are critically endangered due to habitat loss and hunting. Their populations have declined significantly, with fewer than 5,000 eastern gorillas remaining in total, making conservation efforts crucial for their survival.12