The Eastern Gorilla
Published on Nov 19, 2015
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PRESENTATION OUTLINE
General Information
- Species name: The Eastern Gorilla
- Scientific name: Gorilla Beringei
Photo by atomicshark
What does it look like?
The Eastern Gorilla
4-6 feet
Up to 440 pounds
On average, adult males weigh 160 kg, and adult females 98 kg Longer hair, jaws and teeth
Slightly shorter arms
Adult males grow a patch of silver hair on their back and hips, giving them the name 'silverback'.
Location: Range States
- Democratic Republic of Congo
- Rwanda and Uganda
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
gEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION
- Central Africa
- Virunga Mountains
- High altitudes (2,500-4,000 m) in montane forests
- Bamboo forests
- Albertine Rift Montane Forest
Photo by ajari
Niche
- Energy sources: vegetation like stems, roots, leaves, bamboo, fruit
- Diet: vegetarian
- Competition: not much competition - some with chimpanzees
- Predators: only human beings
- Behaviors: gentle, affectionate, and intelligent despite their size
Threats
- Endangered because of hunting for bushmeat and habitat loss
- Also endangered because of disease, and because of war/instability
- Determined "critically endangered" in 2010
- More settlers and visitors historically worsened this problem.
Data
The Eastern Gorilla
Data
- 1960: population ranged between 5,000 and 15,000.
- Today: only about 880 left in the world
- 620 in 1989 but has increased to about 880 today
- Protective measures monitored since the 1950s
- The Viruga population is 480, and the Bwindi is 400
Untitled Slide
Protection
- The International Gorilla Conservation Project
- Project goal to protect areas like Virunga-Bwindi
- Gorillas in these areas are increasing
Conclusion
The Eastern Gorilla
Conclusion
- Protecting gorillas ensures vibrant forests and livelihoods for locals
- Reason for concern: There are only around 800 today!!!
- Future: The WWF will work to curb bushmeat and save forests
- Eventually, the gorilla population should increase
