| 1. |
Not
So Scary
There are four species of great apes: chimpanzees, bonobos, orangutans,
and gorillas. Gorillas are the largest ape and like the others, are
endangered. Of the three subspecies of gorillas, the mountain gorilla
is the rarest and the western lowland gorilla is the most common type
found in zoos. Male gorillas are famous for their terrifying chest-beating
displays. These imposing apes are really shy, reserved animals that
quietly slip away into the thick greenery of the equatorial
forests they call home. It is understandable that gorillas are hard
to study in the wild. Much of the information we have is gathered
from the nests they leave behind each morning. |
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| 2. |
A
Family Plan
An adult male gorilla is called a silverback because the hair
on his back turns silvergrey as he matures. The silverback is the
leader and protector of his band of several females and their offspring,
and of older sons called blackbacks. The silverback will charge
anything that he considers a threat to his family. The display is
usually a noisy bluff that gives the band an opportunity to disappear.
He is a gentle and tolerant parent who cares for the young while
females forage for food.
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| 3. |
Gorilla
Talk
Gorillas have a hard time seeing one another in the shadows
of a densely vegetated tropical forest. Vocal communication is necessary
for sharing information and for staying in touch with one another.
There are 15 recognized vocalizations. A belch-like sound is common
while gorillas are quietly eating. This sound is mimicked
by scientists trying to study wild gorillas. When the band is traveling,
pig-grunts seem to mean stay out-of-the-way. Screams and hoots are
sounds of both excitement and fear, while cries and whines are common
for youngsters. Facial expressions and body movements send non-vocal
messages. All gorillas use some of the charge display-chest-beating,
upright walking, plant-ripping-to exert authority, show excitement
or play.
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| 4. |
What
Shall We Eat All Day
Gorillas are basically herbivores that eat leaves, stems, flowers
and ripe fruits throughout the day. When they find termite mounds,
they break off chunks and shake these invertebrate treats into their
hands. These big apes also actively search for large black ants,
but first they slap the ground so the stunned ants won't bite. They
have not been observed eating any other animals. Gorillas have enlarged
digestive tracts to hold the huge amounts of vegetation they need
for a balanced diet. Their "pot-bellies" also house billions
of microorganisms to help digest leafy meals.
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| 5. |
Gone
Tomorrow?
All three subspecies of gorilla are considered endangered by
the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service and are protected by international
laws. Many African cultures hunt gorillas and smaller primates for
food and other traditional uses. However, agricultural encroachment
and logging are the greatest threats to all animals and plants native
to the tropical forests of West Central Africa. The loss of these
habitats also will impact the African people since they use many
of the same forest plant materials for food, housing and medicines.
Both wildlife and people need the tropical forest habitats and their
natural resources.
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