Gorilla

Quick facts

• The genus Gorilla is split into two species — the eastern gorilla (Gorilla beringei) and the western gorilla (Gorilla gorilla) — each of which includes multiple subspecies (for example, mountain gorillas and western lowland gorillas). ([worldwildlife.org](https://www.worldwildlife.org/resources/facts/what-do-gorillas-eat-and-other-gorilla-facts/?utm_source=openai))
• Eastern gorillas include the largest living primates (mountain gorillas are the largest gorilla subspecies), while body size and proportions vary by species and subspecies; males are substantially larger than females (strong sexual dimorphism). Do not generalize a single weight or height value to all gorillas — ranges differ by taxon and population. ([nationalgeographic.com](https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/facts/mountain-gorilla?loggedin=true&utm_source=openai))
• Gorillas are ground-dwelling apes with long arms and they move primarily by 'knuckle-walking.' They also construct sleeping platforms or 'nests' (ground or tree nests) and typically build a new night nest each day. ([nationalzoo.si.edu](https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/western-lowland-gorilla?utm_source=openai))
• Socially, gorillas live in groups (often called troops or bands) usually led by a dominant adult male ('silverback'); group size and composition vary between populations and species. The silverback mediates group decisions, protects the group, and leads movement and feeding. ([nationalzoo.si.edu](https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/western-lowland-gorilla?utm_source=openai))
• Conservation status varies by species and subspecies, but many gorilla taxa are listed as Endangered or Critically Endangered because of habitat loss, poaching, disease (including Ebola), and regional conflict; conservation actions have helped some populations but threats remain severe. ([iucn.org](https://iucn.org/news/species/201609/four-out-six-great-apes-one-step-away-extinction-%E2%80%93-iucn-red-list?utm_source=openai))