The western lowland gorilla is one of two subspecies of the western gorilla, the other being the Cross River gorilla. Western lowland gorillas are the smallest gorillas and are also the most widespread. They inhabit lush rain forests spanning 700,000 square kilometers (270,000 square miles) in Central Africa. Male western lowland gorillas are significantly larger than females, with an average weight of 136 kilograms (300 pounds) and an average height of 1.8 meters (6 feet). Females typically reach a height of 1.4 meters (4.5 feet) and weigh between 68–90 kilograms (150–200 pounds).

Compared to other gorilla subspecies, western lowland gorillas are lighter in color and feature a distinct face shape with a more pronounced brow ridge and smaller ears.

Western lowland gorillas are primarily herbivorous, feeding on various rain-forest vegetation, including fruits, roots, herbs, shrubs, vines, and shoots. They also consume small insects found on vegetation, such as ants and other invertebrates, as an additional protein source. A male western lowland gorilla can eat up to 20 kilograms (45 pounds) of food daily.

Western gorillas are highly social animals, living in groups known as “troops,” which can range from 2 to 30 individuals. Most troops consist of around five members, including a silverback male, possibly some younger blackback males, several females, and their infants. Once females reach sexual maturity, they usually leave their birth groups to join a new troop. Similarly, males leave their birth groups and enter a “bachelor” phase, living alone or in all-male groups until they are mature enough to form their own troop or win a mate. The silverback leader has exclusive mating rights within the group, although he may allow blackback males to mate with some females.

Gorillas spend their days and nights in nests. During the day, they create nests from foliage and branches for resting, with males often preferring the ground while females sometimes nest in trees. At night, they build nests for sleeping. Infants share nests with their mothers until around three years old, when they start making their own.

Female western lowland gorillas have a gestation period of about nine months and typically reproduce every four to five years. Newborns instinctively cling to their mother’s chest, allowing her to carry them. Mothers care for their infants for up to five years.

Western lowland gorillas are considered an “umbrella species,” indirectly protecting other species within their habitat. Their activities, such as pruning plants to allow sunlight penetration and dispersing seeds, play a vital role in maintaining rain forest biodiversity.

What is a western lowland gorilla’s scientific name?

The scientific name of the western lowland gorilla is Gorilla gorilla gorilla. The species name is Gorilla gorilla, and the subspecies name is G. g. gorilla.

The term “gorilla” has uncertain origins. It was first used by American naturalist Thomas S. Savage in 1847, reportedly based on an account from Hanno, a Carthaginian navigator. Hanno described encountering a group of indigenous people on Africa’s northwest coast around 500 BCE, using the Greek word “gorillai” to refer to them.

Are western lowland gorillas endangered?

Western lowland gorillas are classified as critically endangered by the IUCN. Researchers estimate an annual population decline of 2.7%. Between 2005 and 2071 (three generations), western lowland gorillas are projected to lose up to 80% of their population, primarily due to habitat loss, poaching, and disease.

Where do western lowland gorillas live?

Western lowland gorillas are the most widespread gorilla subspecies, occupying a range of 700,000 square kilometers (270,000 square miles) across countries like Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and Angola. While most live in lowland areas, some inhabit the mountainous regions of Gabon.

Despite their wide distribution, these gorillas inhabit some of the most remote and dense rain forests, which makes estimating their exact population challenging. Notable populations are found in isolated swamps and remote swampy forests, particularly in the Republic of Congo.

Their habitat consists of dense rain forests rich in shoots, roots, wild celery, fruits, pulp, and tree bark. These rain forests generally have temperatures between 20–30 degrees Celsius (68–86 degrees Fahrenheit), with annual rainfall exceeding 2,000 millimeters (79 inches)

Western lowland gorillas inhabit tropical lowland forests, swamp forests, and secondary forests. In the wild, they are primarily found in protected areas such as national parks and reserves. Here are some notable parks and reserves where western lowland gorillas live:

In the Wild

Dzanga-Sangha Special Reserve (Central African Republic)

• Part of the Sangha Trinational area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Known for its gorilla tracking programs and eco-tourism.

Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park (Republic of Congo)

• A critical habitat for western lowland gorillas, with significant conservation efforts.

Odzala-Kokoua National Park (Republic of Congo)

• One of Africa’s oldest national parks and a stronghold for western lowland gorillas.

Lopé National Park (Gabon)

• A UNESCO World Heritage Site with a mix of forest and savanna, supporting gorilla populations.

Monte Alén National Park (Equatorial Guinea)

• Hosts a variety of primates, including western lowland gorillas, in its dense forests.

Minkébé National Park (Gabon)

• Known for its large gorilla populations and conservation research efforts.

In Captivity or Confinement

Many zoos and wildlife parks worldwide host western lowland gorillas as part of conservation and breeding programs. Notable among them include:-

• San Diego Zoo Safari Park, in in San Diego, California (USA)
• Bronx Zoo in the Bronx, New York, United States
• Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust (Jersey, UK)
• Howletts Wildlife Park in Bekesbourne Ln, Bekesbourne, Littlebourne, Canterbury CT4 5EL, United Kingdom
• Los Angeles Zoo in California
• Zoo Atlanta, 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315, United States
• Brookfield Zoo Chicago
• Jersey Zoo, is a zoological park established in 1959 on the island of Jersey 
• Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo in in Bridgeland, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
• Cheyenne Mountain Zoo,  Colorado Springs, CO 80906, United States
• Franklin Park Zoo in in Boston, Massachusetts
• Zoo Knoxville in in Knoxville, Tennessee, United States
• Zoo Berlin in Berlin, Germany

Conservation Status

Western lowland gorillas are classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN due to threats like poaching, habitat destruction, and diseases such as Ebola. Conservation efforts in these parks focus on protecting their habitat, anti-poaching measures, and research initiatives.

Structure of Western Lowland Gorilla

The western lowland gorillas are distinguishable from other gorilla subspecies by their smaller size, brown-grey coats, auburn chests, wider skulls, more pronounced brow ridges, and smaller ears. However, despite their numbers, western lowland gorillas face significant threats. Over the past 20-25 years, their population has declined by over 60% due to poaching and disease outbreaks, particularly Ebola. Even if these threats were completely eliminated, researchers estimate it would take approximately 75 years for their population to recover fully.