Difference Between a Gorilla and a Mountain Gorilla

Gorillas, renowned as the world’s largest primates, are fascinating wildlife species thriving in the dense forests of central and western regions of Africa. As our closest relatives, they share 98% of our DNA, making them one of the most intelligent primates in the wild. Like humans, they live in highly social bonds, reflecting their complex and close-knit family structures.

However, although gorillas belong to the same family, the great apes, they are not identical when studied closely. For example, the mountain gorilla is a unique subspecies with distinct characteristics that set it apart from other gorillas.

To understand the difference between a gorilla and a mountain gorilla, you need to look at their physical characteristics, habitat, behavior, and conservation status.

Understanding Gorillas

Key Differences Between a Gorilla and a Mountain Gorilla

1. Physical Characteristics

While all gorillas share some physical traits, mountain gorillas have distinct features that set them apart from other gorilla species. When it comes to size and weight, gorillas are generally large and muscular primates compared to their counterparts like chimpanzees and orangutans.

However, mountain gorillas are slightly larger and more robust due to the nature of their habitats, with a male weighing up to 195 kg (430 lbs), compared to males of other gorilla species like the western lowland gorilla, which on average weighs about 160 kg (350 lbs).

Mountain gorillas are characterized by larger heads, wide faces, short big noses, and larger jaws compared to other gorillas. They have muscular bodies that are well-defined, displaying their physical strength. These bodies are covered in thick, long fur to protect them from the cold temperatures of their high-altitude natural habitats.

2. Habitat and Geographic Range

The habitat is a significant factor in the difference between a gorilla and a mountain gorilla. Mountain gorillas inhabit high-altitude forests with an elevation ranging from about 2,200–4,300 meters (7,200–14,100 feet).

Mountain gorillas are found in the dense tropical rain forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda, which is home to half of their remaining populations.

They are also found in the Virunga mountains which span across Uganda, Rwanda, and Congoo. In Rwanda, they are found in its Volcanoes National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda and the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

On the other hand, other gorilla subspecies, particularly the Western lowland gorillas, prefer inhabiting lowland tropical rain forests like their name suggests and are seen in the dense forests and swamps of Central and West Africa

3. Behavior and Social Structure

Social Groups;

While all gorillas are social primates, mountain gorillas exhibit specific behaviors that distinguish them from other species. They live in relatively small, cohesive groups of around 30 individuals. These groups are led by a dominant male known as a silverback, who is responsible for overseeing all activities within the family.

Other gorilla species may be living in larger and more fluid social groups compared to those of the famous mountain gorillas.

All gorillas are social animals, but mountain gorillas have specific behaviors that distinguish them from other gorillas.

Diet:

Due to the high-altitude nature of their habitats, which doesn’t support the growth of many fruits favored by primates, mountain gorillas primarily feed on leaves, stems, and bamboo shoots.

Despite their robust body structure, mountain gorillas do not consume meat. Their diet also includes various ferns, flowering plants, and small invertebrates such as ants and bee larvae.

In contrast, while the high-altitude environment of the mountain gorillas limits fruit availability, the habitats of western lowland gorillas are rich in fruit-bearing trees, making fruits a major component of their diet. Western lowland gorillas consume significantly more fruit compared to other gorilla species.

Movement:

Due to their bulky size, mountain gorillas move gracefully, albeit slowly and deliberately. Unlike other primates, such as chimpanzees and monkeys, they typically don’t venture far from their natural habitats. Additionally, adult mountain gorillas rarely climb trees because of their heavy build.

On the other hand, western lowland gorillas cover large territories in search of seasonal fruits.

4. Conservation Status and Threats

Both gorillas and mountain gorillas face significant threats, but their conservation statuses differ. Mountain gorillas, whose population was on the brink of extinction before conservation efforts, were classified as endangered by the IUCN. Today, their population is estimated to be over 1,000 individuals, residing in the four known national parks spread across Uganda, Rwanda, and the Congo.

Major mountain gorilla threats include habitat loss due to human activities, poaching for bush meat and the pet trade, human diseases such as Ebola and the flu, and human-wildlife conflict. Despite ongoing mountain gorilla conservation efforts, these threats continue to pose significant risks to these endangered primates.

Other gorillas specifically the Western and Eastern Lowland Gorillas are classified as critically endangered with larger but rapidly declining populations due to the poor conversation efforts in the countries they reside.  The Eastern lowland gorillas are facing severe habitat destruction due to deforestation and mining.

5. Human Interaction and Tourism

Mountain gorillas are more frequently studied and protected due to their limited range and tourism potential. They are habituated in the countries where they are found, offering visitors exceptional opportunities to embark on thrilling mountain gorilla trekking adventures, featuring some of the best and most memorable wildlife encounters.

Mountain gorilla trekking is available in all three countries where these fascinating primates are found, with a reasonable fee set to help fund their conservation efforts and support nearby communities.

On the other hand, other gorilla species are less accessible to tourism due to their remote habitats and large ranges, limiting their opportunities for conservation.

Which Gorilla is More Common?

The Western Lowland Gorilla is the most widespread and numerous, with a population in the hundreds of thousands. In contrast, mountain gorillas are much rarer and can only be found in two small regions.

The difference between a gorilla and a mountain gorilla lies in their habitat, physical characteristics, behavior, and conservation status. While all gorillas share common traits, mountain gorillas have adapted to a unique high-altitude environment with thicker fur, a plant-based diet, and smaller social groups. Conservation efforts have played a crucial role in protecting mountain gorillas, making them one of the few great apes with a growing population. Understanding these differences helps in appreciating the diversity of gorillas and the need for continued conservation.

Would you like to experience mountain gorilla trekking firsthand? Visiting Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or the Virunga Mountains offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat!