Western lowland gorilla is a large and powerful primate species native to the rainforests of Central Africa. Scientifically known as Gorilla gorilla gorilla, it is one of the four subspecies of gorillas and belongs to the family Hominidae. Typically characterized by their robust build, high sexual dimorphism, and dark blackish-brown to dark gray fur, western lowland gorillas are the most widespread gorillas and are found in the countries of Cameroon, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Males of this species exhibit extreme sexual dimorphism, reaching an average weight of 400 to 600 pounds, while females typically weigh around half as much. They possess a distinctive sagittal crest, a bony ridge on top of their skull that provides a strong attachment point for jaw muscles. Additionally, they possess strong arms, long opposable thumbs, and large canine teeth.
Western lowland gorillas are predominantly herbivorous primates, with their diet consisting mainly of fruits, leaves, stems, and occasional insects or small animals. They inhabit the dense rainforests where they live in cohesive family groups led by a dominant silverback male, who is responsible for the protection and territorial defense of the group.
Despite being classified as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), western lowland gorillas play a crucial role in their ecosystem as seed-dispersers and contribute to the overall biodiversity of their habitat. Efforts to protect and conserve their population, as well as their habitat, are vital for the long-term survival of this magnificent species in the wild.
