Top 7 Differences Between Mountain Gorillas Vs Lowland Gorillas

Mountain Gorillas Vs Lowland Gorillas; Despite being of the same kind, these two great apes display distinct differences in their size, strength, habitats, diet, and behavior.

When you understand the differences and similarities between these two gorilla subspecies, they become much easier to differentiate when encountered on a wildlife gorilla safari.

Gorillas are the largest of the great apes on the globe that share about 98.3 percent of their DNA with us, humans hence making them our closest cousins.

They are made of two species that’s the eastern gorillas and the western gorillas. These two gorilla species are further divided into subspecies among which include the mountain gorillas and lowland gorillas which are much known compared to other gorilla subspecies which include the cross river gorillas and the eastern lowland gorillas.

Let us delve into the distinct differences between mountain gorillas vs lowland gorillas.

Comparisons between Mountain Gorillas Vs Lowland Gorillas;

The difference in the Names of Mountain Gorillas Vs Lowland Gorillas

Mountain gorillas are scientifically called Gorilla beringei beringei while lowland gorillas, specifically the western are called Gorilla gorilla gorilla. The names themselves are a clear description to show that these two gorilla subspecies are different though from the same genus.

Comparing Habitat and Distribution of Mountain Gorillas vs Lowland Gorillas

Mountain gorillas inhabit dense tropical rainforests of central Africa, and they are typically found in only four national parks that are distributed among three countries in Africa namely Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo.

They inhabit the Virunga mountain ranges, which span over these countries and are typically found in the Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park of Uganda, and Virunga National Park of Congo. They are also found in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park of Uganda, which is not part of the Virunga mountain range.

These mountain gorilla habitats are characterized by high altitudes, which range from 2,200 to 4,300 meters above sea level; hence, they have a cool, moist climate featuring an abundance of vegetation.

In contrast, lowland gorillas are also spread across central African countries, which include Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, the Central African Republic, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

They inhabit lowland tropical forests and are much confined to the montane forests of the eastern regions of Congo typically because of their more humid and warmer temperatures compared to the habitats of their counterparts.

They prefer inhabiting less dense vegetation areas are sighted on the edges of forests and occasionally in swamps and savannah plains foraging.

Comparing the weight, height, and size of Mountain Gorillas Vs Lowland Gorillas;

Mountain gorillas are generally bigger apes, featured with robust bodies, making them the strongest, a Well matured adult mountain gorilla also known as a silverback gorilla, weighs between 150 to 220 kilograms and stands straight up to a height of about 1.4 to 1.8 meters (4.6 to 5.9 feet).

On the other hand, lowland gorillas are typically smaller, with an adult male gorilla weighing between 140 to 180 kilograms and standing straight up to a height of about 1.2 to 1.5 meters.

Physical Differences Between Mountain Gorillas and Lowland Gorillas

Size and Build

• Mountain gorillas are larger and more robust. Adult males weigh between 140 to 200 kg (310 to 440 lbs) and stand about 1.7 meters (5.6 feet) tall when standing upright. They have thick, muscular bodies built to navigate steep, rugged mountainous terrain.

• Lowland gorillas are generally slightly smaller, with adult males weighing between 120 to 180 kg (265 to 400 lbs). They are more slender and agile, adapted for life in lowland tropical forests.

Fur and Appearance

• Mountain gorillas have longer, thicker, and darker fur that protects them from the cold, damp conditions of high-altitude forests. Their fur is especially dense around the arms and back.

• Lowland gorillas have shorter, sparser hair due to the warmer, humid climate of their rainforest habitats. Their fur often has a brownish tint, especially on the chest and head.

Facial Features

• Both gorilla types have broad faces with large nostrils and pronounced brows, but mountain gorillas tend to have more prominent nasal ridges and wider chests, reflecting their strength.

Comparing Diet and Foraging Behaviors of Mountain Gorillas Vs Lowland Gorillas

Because of the location of their habitats at high altitudes where there are hardly any fruits, the diet of mountain gorillas mainly comprises foliage—that is, leaves, shoots, and stems.

They also feed on flowers, seeds, tree bark, roots, and insects such as bee larvae and termites. They are majorly terrestrial animals foraging on vegetation mostly found on forest floors.

On the other hand, lowland gorillas have a more nutritious diet, which is comprised of many fruits, as they are found in relatively lowland forests, which are rich in fruits.

They also forage on leaves, seeds, stems, and insects. Due to their light size, lowland gorillas also climb trees to get fruits or any other food that has attracted their attention.

Comparing Social Structure and Behaviors of Mountain Gorillas Vs Lowland Gorillas

Both the mountain and lowland gorillas live in families or social groups led by a dominant silverback. However, the sizes of these families differ, with the mountain gorilla family being larger, consisting of about 10 to 30 individual gorillas inclusive of infants and, most times, one silverback, the head, which is responsible for the protection and making final decisions for that specific family.

On the other hand, lowland families are generally smaller, consisting of about 5 to 10 individuals, inclusive of usually one dominant silverback, several females, and their offspring.

Despite the family sizes of both the mountain and lowland gorillas, their social behaviors are generally similar and are comprised of a well-laid-out hierarchy that is maintained by a dominant silverback and features strong bonds among the family members.

Comparing conservation status and threats of Mountain Gorillas vs lowland gorillas:

Both the gorilla subspecies face different threats and conservation challenges, with the mountain gorillas being the critically endangered gorilla species, with about 1,063 individuals in the world, and the lowland gorillas having the largest population, with about 100,000 to 200,000 individual gorillas left in the wild.

The severe threats to these great apes include poaching for the illegal pet trade, human disease outbreaks such as Ebola claiming many of their lives, and habitat destruction due to agriculture, logging, and mining.

However, conservation efforts such as the introduction of anti-poaching patrols in gorilla habitats, veterinary care, and habitat protection have led to a gradual increase in their numbers, most especially for mountain gorillas.

Mountain gorilla vs lowland gorilla who would win a fight

In a hypothetical fight between a mountain gorilla and a lowland gorilla, the outcome would be unpredictable, but the mountain gorilla might have the edge. Mountain gorillas are typically larger and more muscular, adapted to a rugged, high-altitude environment.

They have stronger builds and incredible endurance. Lowland gorillas, though slightly faster and more agile, are generally less bulky. However, gorillas are not naturally aggressive and prefer to avoid serious conflict. A real fight is unlikely in the wild, as these species live in different habitats and exhibit peaceful social behaviors.

What is the strongest species of gorilla?

The mountain gorilla is considered the strongest species of gorilla. Native to the high-altitude forests of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, mountain gorillas have powerful, muscular builds adapted for climbing steep terrain and enduring cold climates.

They are larger and bulkier than other gorilla subspecies, with stronger arms and chests, capable of lifting over 1,800 pounds. Their strength is vital for foraging, defense, and leading troops, especially among dominant silverback males, who are the most powerful individuals in the group.

What is the most aggressive type of gorilla?

The silverback gorilla is typically the most aggressive type of gorilla, but aggression is mainly used in defensive and dominance displays rather than seeking conflict. Male silverbacks are protective of their group, using aggressive behavior to ward off threats, such as rival males or predators.

They may engage in chest-beating, vocalizations, and charging to assert their authority. However, gorillas are generally peaceful, and violence is only resorted to when necessary for the safety of the troop or during mating competition.

You may also wish to know about:

Eastern lowland gorilla vs western lowland gorilla

Eastern lowland gorillas (also known as Grauer’s gorillas) and western lowland gorillas differ in size, habitat, and appearance. Eastern lowland gorillas are larger and more robust, with darker, thicker coats and broader chests.

They live in the dense forests of eastern DR Congo. Western lowland gorillas are smaller, lighter, and more agile, with brownish-gray fur and reddish crowns. They inhabit lowland rainforests across western Central Africa, including Cameroon and Gabon.

Though both are critically endangered, western lowland gorillas are more numerous, while eastern lowland gorillas face extreme threats due to conflict and habitat loss.

Western lowland gorilla vs cross river gorilla

The western lowland gorilla and the Cross River gorilla are both subspecies of western gorillas but differ in population, range, and physical traits. Western lowland gorillas are the most numerous and widespread, found in countries like Cameroon, Gabon, and the Republic of Congo.

In contrast, Cross River gorillas are the rarest gorilla subspecies, with fewer than 300 individuals living in a small, mountainous area along the Nigeria-Cameroon border.

They have shorter skulls, and smaller teeth, and are more reclusive due to human pressure. Both face threats from habitat loss, poaching, and human encroachment.

Conclusion: Understanding Mountain Gorillas and Lowland Gorillas