How Long Do Gorillas Live

How Long Do Gorillas Live

How long do gorillas live; Gorillas are critically endangered mammals whom share a close DNA of 98% to that of humans. In the wild there are two types of species that is the lowland gorillas and the Mountain gorillas. Lowland Gorillas live in captivity mostly in zoo they can survive in captivity. While mountain gorillas are the great gains mammals in jungle, shy and intelligent endangered species. Gorillas shares 98% DNA to human genes thats why are called our closely related cousins.

Mountain gorillas live in tropical rain forest of mountain areas in Africa, probably in three countries that is Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo and the lowland Gorillas are seen in the forest of Gabon, Nigeria, Cameroon, Equatorial of Guinea and some parts of Congo.

The endangered mountain gorillas in Uganda can be trekked or inhabitant of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest national park and Mgahinga Gorilla national park Uganda both located in the southwestern region of the country, estimating 9 to 10 hours’ drive from the main starting point of the journey could be Kampala capital or Entebbe.

Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable national park has four gorilla trekking sectors where Gorilla Trekking safaris occurs, splintered with over 21 habituated gorilla families –groups and 2 gorilla families in Mgahinga Gorilla national park. The four Bwindi gorilla trekking sectors include Nkuringo, Buhoma, Rushanga and Ruhija each located in different trekking areas within the park.

According to the wild life funds the lifespan of Gorillas is up to age of 35 to 40 years and those in the zoo can live to over 50 years and more compared to the great mountain gorillas. They also suffer from loss of teeth meaning they have problem of feeding. They can also take long to feed than other members of the family which add on the reduction of the lifespan of Gorillas thus leading to decrease due to early death.

Other Interesting Facts About Mountain Gorillas as listed below;

There are only two gorilla species eastern and western and mountain gorillas are sub-species of the eastern gorillas.

Mountain gorillas are critically endangered species which can be threatened with many people around the park.

Currently, the total number of mountain gorillas estimate 1,064 individuals in the wild according to the latest census results which can done after 5 to 10 years.

Mountain gorillas live in two isolated groups, one in the Virunga Volcanoes national park in Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo and one found Bwindi Impenetrable national park Uganda which connects to Sarambwe Nature Reserve and Democratic Republic of Congo.

Mountain gorillas live in montane tropical rain forest which is surrounded by agriculture and people’s settlements.

They share 98% DNA to that of human genes meaning are much exposure to human diseases like flu, diarrhea, Civid-19, cough among to all other air borne diseases.

Mountain gorillas are the most powerful living primates, making male gorillas to weigh 180 kilograms.

Mountain gorillas can eat all day long feeding on leaves and shoots as well as to small snails and bark.

They cozy up at night, when its evening mountain gorillas lay their nest on the ground for sleeping. Mother gorillas will share their nest with their infants in order to stay safe and warm.

They also communicate like we humans, when they are mildly alarmed, male gorillas tend to strut their legs, beat their chests and use vocalizations like roaring around.

Mountain gorillas like in families or groups of about 10 to 30 individuals lead by one dominant called silverback and several females. And both male and females in the group have to care for their infants through hugging, breast feeding and playing with them.

Those in the wild can live to over 40 years old.

Matured male gorillas are called silverback

Mountain gorillas also under go threatening which as lead to their decline in number.