silverback

A silverback is an older, dominant male gorilla. This term specifically refers to adult male gorillas that have developed a prominent saddle of gray or silver hairs on their lower back.12

Gorillas are the largest of the apes and are close relatives to humans, sharing a common ancestor about 10 million years ago. They inhabit the tropical forests of equatorial Africa and live in stable family groups led by one or more silverback males. These groups typically include females, infants, juveniles, and younger males. Gorillas are primarily terrestrial, using knuckle-walking for locomotion, and their diet is vegetarian, consisting mainly of leaves, stalks, shoots, and fruit. Despite their powerful build, gorillas are generally unaggressive unless disturbed, often using displays to communicate or protect their group.2