Gorilla: overview, biology, behaviour and conservation

Physical characteristics

Gorillas have broad chests, long arms, short legs and no tails. Adult males develop a patch of silver hair on the back and are often called "silverbacks." Sexual dimorphism is marked: males are larger and heavier than females. Their hands and feet are adapted for knuckle-walking on the ground, though they can climb trees and use simple tools in some populations.

Taxonomy and subspecies

• Western gorilla (Gorilla gorilla)
  • Western lowland gorilla
  • Cross River gorilla
• Eastern gorilla (Gorilla beringei)
  • Mountain gorilla
  • Eastern lowland (Grauer's) gorilla

Behaviour and life history

Gorillas live in cohesive groups usually led by a dominant silverback that mediates conflicts and protects the group. Their diet is primarily plant-based—leaves, stems, fruit and occasionally insects—with regional variation. Reproduction is slow compared with many mammals; females give birth to a single infant after a long gestation and invest several years in each offspring. Communication includes vocalisations, facial expressions and gestures.

Evolution, importance and conservation

Gorillas share a close evolutionary relationship with other great apes and humans, having diverged from a common ancestor millions of years ago. They play important ecological roles as seed dispersers and indicators of forest health. All gorilla taxa face threats from habitat loss, poaching and disease; several are classified as endangered or critically endangered. Conservation efforts combine protected areas, anti-poaching measures, research and ecotourism to support populations and local communities.