western gorilla

The western gorilla (Gorilla gorilla) is the largest of the apes and a close relative to humans, sharing a common ancestor about 10 million years ago. These primates inhabit the tropical forests of equatorial Africa and are divided into two subspecies: the western lowland gorilla and the Cross River gorilla.1

Western gorillas are robust with black skin and hair, thick chests, and prominent brow ridges. Adult males, known as silverbacks, are larger than females and develop a distinctive silver saddle of hair on their backs. They live in stable family groups led by silverback males and are primarily terrestrial, using knuckle walking for locomotion. Their diet is largely vegetarian, with western gorillas consuming more fruit than eastern gorillas.12

Sadly, western gorillas are classified as critically endangered due to habitat loss and poaching, with the Cross River gorilla being at the greatest risk.13