Western Lowland Gorilla ( Gorilla gorilla gorilla )
Western Lowland Gorilla - Western Lowland Gorilla information - Western Lowland Gorilla facts, pictures, photos
Western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) is a mammal at the order Primates and family Hominidae. It lives in mid-west Africa in the tropical rainforests from southern Nigeria to Congo River. They are herbivorous.
Western lowland gorillas are characterized as quiet, peaceful, and non-aggressive animals. However, when provoked, an adult male protecting his group will attempt to intimidate by standing on his legs and slapping his chest with cupped hands, while roaring and screaming.
Western lowland gorillas weight from 135 to 175 kg, have a broad chest, muscular neck and strong limbs. All the body, except the face is covered by short, thin, grey-black to brown-black hair. The average height of male is 185 centimetres, females are a bit smaller.
Gorillas live in groups of one fully adult male and several females. They play, sleep, and eat within this structured family group. The dominant male, often called the silverback male, leads the group. He regulates what time the group wakes up, eats, and goes to sleep.
Life span is around 50 years. Females reach sexual maturity between 6 to 9 years of age, males later (9 to 12). Breeding interval depends upon infant survival – if it survives, a female can produce one young every four or five years. However, these animals do not appear to breed seasonally. After 8 to 9 months usually one young is born. It is helpless and must be carried in mother’s arms. Mother weans it after 36 to 48 months.
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