Introduction

Around 350 of the world’s estimated 1,075 wild mountain gorillas live in the resource-rich Virunga mountains, the exploitation of which threatens the species’ very existence. Far less abundant and more beautiful than any raw material, this majestic great ape is DRC’s real treasure.

Mountain Gorilla Facts

    01
    Habitat

    The gorillas’ biodiverse rainforest environment is stratified into distinct specific vegetative zones based on altitude. Most of their time is spent near the base of the mountains, where vegetation grows more densely. The air throughout the mountain’s zones is moist and misty, leading them to be known as cloud forests.

    Gorilla family in rainforest

  • 01
    Habitat

    Over one third of the global population of mountain gorillas live on the lush slopes of the Park’s dormant volcanoes. Compared to their eastern lowland cousins, mountain gorillas have thicker hair, an adaptation which protects them against the sub-zero temperatures often encountered at altitudes of 7,000 to 14,000 ft (2,000 to 4,000 m).

  • 02
    Behavior

    Challenges to dominant silverbacks are met with impressive displays of strength and aggression, including charges, chest-beating, and vocal intimidation. Despite this, gorillas generally reside in a state of calm, subsist on a mainly herbivorous diet of roots, shoots, fruit, bark, and pulp, with about 0.1% coming from invertebrates.

    Young mountain gorilla and its parent in their natural habitat

  • 02
    Behavior

    Like most primates, mountain gorillas are social animals. They live in groups of fascinating complexity called troops or bands, led by a dominant alpha male known as a silverback. The silverback protects its members and directs troop activities such as nesting, feeding and migration between seasonal feeding areas.

  • 03
    Physical Characteristics

    The streak of silver hair, after which mature males are named, develops following adolescence. Gorillas walk on their knuckles, have dark brown irises encircled by black rings, and possess unique nose prints. Adult mountain gorillas, as well as having thicker and longer fur, tend to be smaller than other subspecies.

    Image of gorilla silverback

  • 03
    Physical Characteristics

    After nearly nine months of gestation, infants enter the world weighing just 4 lbs. From four months they begin clinging to their mothers’ backs, remaining there for two or three years. Despite beginning life so small, adult males typically weigh 430 lbs and can stand five feet tall.

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