There are only 2 (two) types of gorillas in the world and they make up 4 subspecies. Each type of gorillas comprises two subspecies. The two types of gorillas include the Eastern and Western gorillas.
The Eastern gorilla
The Eastern gorilla (G. beringei) takes their name based on their location. This particular type of gorillas survives in the East and Central Africa. The Eastern gorillas are large in size and have big jaws, and long hair, and their noses are smaller than the western gorillas.
The western gorilla
The Western gorilla (Gorilla gorilla) is a critically endangered type of gorilla. This type of gorilla resides in western Africa. The male Western gorilla weighs about 168 kg and females 60-80 kg. It is the second biggest living primate after the Eastern gorilla. By height, the males reach 167 cm.
Subspecies of each type of gorillas
The Western gorilla is subdivided into 2 subspecies including the Western Lowland gorillas (G. gorilla gorilla) and the Cross River gorilla (G. gorilla diehli).
The Eastern gorilla subspecies include the mountain gorillas and the Eastern Lowland gorilla (Gorilla beringei graueri).
The Western Lowland gorillas
The Western Lowland gorillas occupy the lowland forests in Central-West Africa. They are commonly found in countries such as Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Angola, Gabon, the Central African Republic, and the Republic of the Congo.
Western Lowland gorillas are the smallest in size although very numerous compared to all the 4 subspecies. Over 350,000 of the Western Lowland gorillas still exist in the wild and even at zoos, they can be spotted. Whereas their population is said to be high, on the other hand, they have also had a sharp decline of 60% in the past 25 years. Like other gorilla subspecies, their survival is largely threatened by infectious diseases like the Ebola virus and also human practices.
Cross River Gorillas
The Cross River gorillas are a unique subspecies of gorillas on the planet Earth. As of 2006, they were featured on the IUCN list of critically endangered species. These apes live in the forest-dominated areas in Nigeria and Cameroon. They weigh approximately 440 pounds and when standing, their height reaches 5 ft. Compared to most subspecies of gorillas, the Cross River gorilla remains to be the most threatened species.
The Eastern Lowland gorillas/The Grauer’s Gorilla
The Grauer’s gorilla resides in the Eastern end of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Central Africa. The key parks to find the Eastern Lowland gorillas include Maiko National Park, Odzala-Kokoua National Park, and Kahuzi-Biega National Park plus some parts of Itombwe Massif.
The Eastern lowland gorilla are the biggest of all the 4 subspecies. They have stocky bodies, larger hands, and short muzzles. They grow black coats with shorter hair on the head and body. According to the IUCN, they are listed as the 3rd most critically endangered species of gorillas. The common threats affecting these apes include poaching and loss of habitat. Their habitats have continuously declined from 81,000 sq. mi to about 5600 sq. mi.
Overall, approximately 7,500 Grauer’s gorillas still survive in the wild. Visitors interested in exploring more about the behaviors of these apes can plan and book a gorilla trip to Congo through the expert.
Mountain gorillas
Mountain gorillas (G. beringei beringei) are among the most sought-after subspecies of the Eastern gorilla. They only exist in the 4 parks in East-Central Africa that is Virunga National Park in Eastern DRC, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Southwestern Uganda. Lastly, they occupy the Volcanoes National Park in Northwestern Rwanda.
About 1063 mountain gorillas still reside in the jungle across the 4 parks. Like most subspecies of gorillas, these apes’ survival is also threatened by loss of habitat due to human encroachment, poaching, and the spread of diseases.
General facts about gorillas
Gorillas are recognized as the biggest in the Great Ape family. They are also listed among the closest relatives to man after chimps and bonobos. Over 98% of their genetic code is similar to that of humans. Often, gorillas display emotions a common trait among humans too.
Generally, gorillas are powerful species known for their muscular arms, large nostrils, thick chests, and brownish hair. Their entire bodies are covered by hair exclusive of hands, feet, face, and chest. Gorillas stay in families (also referred to as groups) comprising of 4 to over 30 members. In every family, there is a mature male (silverback gorilla).
When in captivity, gorillas can live up to 45/50 years, and in the jungle, they can survive up to 35 years. In a group, there can be females, babies, juveniles, and males. The main diet of gorillas consists of fruits, leaves, and shoots –largely vegetarians. Sexual maturity among females is 10 and 15 years for males. Females can give birth after each 4-5 years and they have a long gestation period of 9 months.