The Eastern lowland gorilla, also known as Grauer's gorilla (Gorilla beringei graueri), is a subspecies of gorilla native to the lowland forests within the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). It is one of two subspecies within the eastern gorilla species, with the other being the mountain gorilla.
Eastern lowland gorillas are characterized by their large size and powerful build, making them one of the largest living primates. Males can weigh up to 400 pounds and stand about 5.5 to 6 feet tall when fully erect, while females are slightly smaller. They possess a muscular body with a broad chest, thick neck, and long arms.
These gorillas have shorter, black hair with a characteristic brownish tint that distinguishes them from other gorilla subspecies. They also have a sagittal crest, which is a ridge of bone running along the top of their skull that provides attachment for their strong jaw muscles.
Eastern lowland gorillas are primarily herbivorous, feeding on a wide variety of plant material such as leaves, fruits, stems, and bark. They live in social groups known as troops, which typically consist of one dominant silverback male, several females, and their offspring. These groups can vary in size, ranging from a few individuals to over 30 members.
Due to ongoing threats such as habitat destruction, poaching, and civil unrest in the region, the Eastern lowland gorilla is currently classified as an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Conservation efforts are crucial in order to protect these magnificent creatures and ensure their survival in the wild.
