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I Geoffroy, 1853
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Gorilla gorilla
Gorilla beringei
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The gorilla, the largest of the primates, is a ground-dwelling herbivore that inhabits the forests of central Africa. There are two species of gorilla, both in the genus Gorilla.
Gorillas move about by knuckle-walking. Males range in height from 1.65 m to 1.75 m, and in weight from 140 kg to 165 kg. Females are about half the weight of males.
Gestation is 8½ months. There are typically 3–4 years between births. Infants stay with their mothers for 3–4 years. Females mature at 10–12 years (earlier in captivity); males 11–13 years, sometimes sooner if they assume leadership early. Lifespan is between 30–50 years.
Both species of gorilla are endangered, and have been subject to intense poaching for a long time. Threats to gorilla survival include habitat destruction and the bushmeat trade.
A silverback is a strong, experienced dominant adult male gorilla, typically more than 12 years of age and named for the distinctive patch of silver hair on his back and the large canines that come with maturity. Blackbacks are sexually immature males from around eight years onward.
One silverback typically leads a troop of 5 to 30 gorillas and is the center of attention, making all the decisions, mediating conflicts, determining the movements of the group, leading the others to feeding sites and taking responsiblity for the safety and well being of the troop.
Males will slowly begin to leave their original troop when they are about 11 years old, travelling alone or with a group of other males for 2–5 years before being able to attract females to form a new group and start breeding. While infant gorillas normally stay with their mother for 3–4 years, silverbacks will care for weaned young orphans.
If challenged by a younger outside male, he will scream, beat his chest, shake broken-off branches at the intruder, bare his teeth then charge forward. If he is killed by disease, accident, fighting or poachers, the group will split up or be taken over in its entirety by a male descendant or even an unrelated male; there is a strong risk that a new male may kill the infants of the dead silverback.
Gorillas are closely related to humans and are considered highly intelligent. A few individuals in captivity have been taught a subset of sign language (see animal language for a discussion) such as Koko, also known for being the only animal known to keep one of another species as a pet. For a time Koko took care of a companion cat.
Classification
Primatologists continue to explore the relationships between various gorilla populations. The most recent publication (Primate Taxonomy, Colin Groves 2001 ISBN 1-56098-872-X) lists two recognized species, with four subspecies:
Gorilla gorilla, Western Gorilla
- Gorilla gorilla gorilla Western Lowland Gorilla
- Gorilla gorilla diehli Cross River Gorilla
Gorilla beringei, Eastern Gorilla
- Gorilla beringei beringei, Mountain Gorilla
- Gorilla beringei graueri, Eastern Lowland Gorilla
Gorillas in pop culture
- The gorilla suit is an eternally popular gag costume. On The Zone on YTV, a recurring character is Gorilla Stan, who is actually a person wearing a cheap Halloween costume.
- The mascot of the NBA's Phoenix Suns is a man in a gorilla suit, called The Gorilla.
- The giant gorilla is a recurring theme in film, especially in the various incarnations of King Kong and Mighty Joe Young.
- The namesake of the Donkey Kong video game franchise is a gorilla.
See also
- List of apes — notable individual apes
External links
- Gorillas Online
- San Diego Zoo
- Gorilla Haven
- World Wildlife Fund
- Science Views
- Green Nature
- The Gorilla Foundation, home of Koko the gorilla famous for her sign language skills