Facts About Eastern Lowland Gorillas

The Eastern lowland gorillas are a sub-species of the Eastern gorilla (Grauer’s Gorilla) and the other most popular sub-species are the mountain gorillas. The Eastern lowland gorillas (Gorilla beringei graueri) are closely related to the western gorillas but differ in their habitat and morphology.

The Western gorillas are also subdivided into 2 groups: the Western lowland and Cross River gorillas.

Where to find the Eastern lowland gorillas (habitat)

The Eastern lowland gorillas occupy the tropical rainforest areas of the Eastern D.R. Congo. The Congo safari parks to find the Grauer’s gorillas include Kahuzi-Biega National Park, and Maiko National Park and a section of them occupy the Tayna Gorilla Reserve, Usala Forest, and Itombwe Massif.

They were named “lowland gorillas” considering their habitat. Scientists thought these apes only existed in the lowland forests, but it was later discovered that they had families in the higher altitudes and montane areas like their counterparts mountain gorillas. Currently, scientists refer to lowland gorillas as Grauer’s gorillas.

Lowland gorilla population in the wild

The Grauer’s gorillas are the biggest of the 4 subspecies of gorillas. Like other sub-species, they remain fewer in the wild, consisting of not more than 6000 individuals, and their survival is highly threatened by a number of factors including habitat destruction, poaching, and infectious human diseases.

Lifespan: In the wild, the Grauer’s gorillas can live up to 50 years. Like other gorilla species, they also live in families or groups with each family comprising several individuals including juveniles. A mature male/silverback leads the entire family or group and the sub-adults/blackbacks also remain within the same families.

A mature male Grauer’s gorilla weighs up to 250kg and they lead a family consisting of about 30 members or more. A family can comprise females, infants/juveniles, and silverbacks or one.

Eastern Lowland Gorilla Diet And Family Life

The Eastern lowland gorillas depend on leaves, stems, fruits, seeds, and bamboo shoots/tree barks. At times, these creatures also feed on termites/ants. They eat in families and most of them spend most of their time on the ground rather than in trees.

The dominant male/silverback is in charge of protecting the rest of the members from attacks, especially from leopards and intruders. Female Grauer’s gorillas become mature at 8-12 years. When they are ready for copulation, females initiate the breeding process.

The females take up to 9 months and they give birth to single babies and on rare occasions twins. The infant stays close to the mother for up to 3 years and males leave the group when they reach the maturity stage.

Lowland gorillas are highly intelligent and use different sounds to communicate with each other. They exhibit different emotions and in captivity, they have been taught to use sign language.

Difference between lowland & mountain gorillas

The lowland and mountain gorillas look seemingly the same way although there are a few features that differentiate them. The Grauer’s gorillas occupy the lower altitude areas and mountain gorillas often spend most of their time in the montane/higher altitude areas.

The lowland gorillas can trek only in Kahuzi-Biega National Park and mountain gorilla trekking can be done in the 4 National Parks: Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda), Virunga National Park (Congo), Bwindi & Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks (Uganda).

Below are some of the frequently asked questions about the Eastern lowland gorillas

How many lowland gorillas are left on earth?

The population of Eastern lowland gorillas is on the decline and fewer than 6000 individuals still survive in the natural habitat.

Why are the lowland gorillas going extinct?

The Eastern lowland gorillas like other species still face several threats including poaching and habitat destruction. They live in areas faced with political/civil unrest which makes implementing conservation initiatives a bit challenging.

Are the Eastern lowland gorillas special?

The lowland gorillas are massive species on earth and intelligent creatures. Like humans, they have emotions and are capable of using or learning to use sign language.

Where do lowland gorillas live?

The Eastern lowland gorillas live in most parts of the D.R. Congo tropical rain-forest-dominated protected areas. The prime areas to find lowland gorillas include Kahuzi-Biega National Park and this is where about 5 habituated gorilla families are open for tracking. To visit Kahuzi-Biega NP, you should have a valid gorilla permit and each costs USD450.