Mountain Gorillas vs. Lowland Gorillas: Habitat Comparison

Gorillas, the largest primates on Earth, are divided into two main species: the Eastern Gorilla (Gorilla beringei) and the Western Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla). Within these species, we find the Mountain Gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei) and the Lowland Gorilla (both Western and Eastern subspecies).

One of the most striking differences between these gorilla subspecies is their habitat. This article explores the environmental differences between Mountain Gorillas and Lowland Gorillas, highlighting how these habitats influence their behavior, diet, and conservation status.

1. Geographic Distribution

Mountain Gorilla Habitat

Mountain Gorillas are found in only two locations:

• The Virunga Mountains, spanning Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda

These gorillas inhabit high-altitude rainforests, usually between 2,200 to 4,300 meters (7,200 to 14,100 feet) above sea level. Their habitat consists of dense, mist-covered forests with thick vegetation and cool temperatures.

Lowland Gorilla Habitat

Lowland Gorillas, both Western Lowland Gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) and Eastern Lowland Gorillas (Gorilla beringei graueri), occupy vast low-altitude rainforests in Central and West Africa.

• Western Lowland Gorillas inhabit Gabon, Cameroon, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and parts of the Central African Republic and Angola.
• Eastern Lowland Gorillas are found in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, mainly in the lowland forests of Kahuzi-Biega National Park.

These gorillas thrive in tropical rainforests at altitudes between sea level and 1,500 meters (4,900 feet), where the climate is warmer and the forests are less dense compared to Mountain Gorilla habitats.

2. Climate and Vegetation

Mountain Gorilla Habitat Climate

Mountain Gorilla environments are cooler and wetter, with temperatures ranging from 3°C to 15°C (37°F to 59°F). Rainfall is abundant, creating humid and foggy conditions throughout the year.

The vegetation is dense with bamboo forests, montane forests, and subalpine zones. The thick undergrowth provides an ample food supply, including leaves, stems, and wild fruits.

Lowland Gorilla Habitat Climate

Lowland Gorillas live in hotter and more humid environments, with temperatures often exceeding 25°C (77°F). The tropical rainforests they inhabit receive significant rainfall but also experience dry seasons.

The flora is more diverse, featuring tall trees, lianas, and a vast variety of fruits, which makes the diet of Lowland Gorillas richer in fruits compared to their Mountain Gorilla counterparts.

3. Food Availability and Diet

Mountain Gorilla Diet

Due to the high-altitude environment, food sources for Mountain Gorillas are limited to mostly fibrous plants. Their diet consists of:

• Leaves, stems, and shoots (bamboo and other plant species)
• Roots and bark
• Fungi
• Occasionally fruits, but they are rare in their habitat

Mountain Gorillas rely more on vegetation and less on fruits, as fruit-bearing trees are scarce at high elevations.

Lowland Gorilla Diet

Lowland Gorillas, especially Western Lowland Gorillas, have a diet that is more fruit-based due to the abundance of fruit trees in their habitat. Their diet includes:

• Fruits (up to 60% of their diet)
• Leaves, shoots, and stems
• Termites and ants (Western Lowland Gorillas occasionally eat insects for protein)
• Seeds and nuts

The diversity of available food in the lowland rainforest allows these gorillas to have a more varied diet compared to Mountain Gorillas.

4. Behavioral Differences Due to Habitat

Mountain Gorilla Behavior

• More ground-dwelling: Due to the dense vegetation and cooler temperatures, Mountain Gorillas spend most of their time on the forest floor.
• Smaller home ranges: Food is concentrated in small areas, so they don’t travel as much, covering 1-3 km per day.
• Less solitary behavior: They live in stable, close-knit groups led by a dominant silverback male.

Lowland Gorilla Behavior

• More arboreal (tree-climbing): Due to the abundance of fruit trees, Lowland Gorillas are more likely to climb trees in search of food.
• Larger home ranges: They travel more extensively, sometimes covering up to 10 km per day in search of food.
• More fluid social structure: Groups change more frequently as food availability varies, unlike the more stable Mountain Gorilla groups.

5. Conservation Status and Threats

Mountain Gorilla Conservation

Mountain Gorillas are critically endangered, but conservation efforts have led to population recovery. The main threats include:

• Habitat destruction due to agriculture and human settlement
• Poaching
• Diseases transmitted by humans

Thanks to intensive conservation programs, their numbers have risen to over 1,000 individuals, mainly in protected areas like Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the Virunga Massif.

Lowland Gorilla Conservation

Lowland Gorillas, particularly Western Lowland Gorillas, are more numerous but still classified as critically endangered due to:

• Deforestation and logging
• Poaching for bushmeat and illegal pet trade
• Epidemics like Ebola, which have drastically reduced populations

Their larger range makes conservation efforts more difficult, but protected areas like Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park and Lopé National Park help safeguard their populations.

The habitat differences between Mountain Gorillas and Lowland Gorillas play a crucial role in shaping their diet, behavior, and conservation status. Mountain Gorillas thrive in high-altitude, cool environments with limited food resources, while Lowland Gorillas inhabit warmer, fruit-rich tropical rainforests. Despite their different adaptations, both species face significant threats that require continuous conservation efforts to ensure their survival.

Understanding these habitat distinctions helps protect these remarkable primates and their ecosystems, ensuring that future generations can witness these majestic creatures in their natural environments.