Mountain Gorillas live within the high elevations 2400 to 3900 meters, in the Tropical rainforests of Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Uganda (within or not far from the Virunga massif). These Great Apes are estimated to be about 1063, approximately 600 living on the slopes of Virunga Volcanoes (Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in Congo) while the remaining population dwell in the nearby Bwindi Impenetrable National Park area.
Mountain gorillas are sub-species of the Eastern Gorillas and scientifically known as Gorilla beringei beringei. These Giant Apes live in some of the most intolerable habitats (for other animals) but they surprisingly thrive very well, hence we shall explore how these gorillas adapt for their environment;
Have Darker and thicker fur.
Do you know what they say about black surfaces absorbing all wavelengths of light? This light is converted into heat hence making the object warmer. Back to the mountain gorillas, they possess thicker fur that makes them easily live and thrive in cold areas, where temperatures even drop below freezing point. With increasing habitat loss resulting from human encroachment, these creatures have continuously moved farther high on the mountains to withstand treacherous and sometimes deadly conditions. Besides warmth, their thick fur also protects their skin from irritating biting insects.
During cold times, these Giant Apes stay close to their nests or throng close to each other. They also remain immobile for long periods of time as a way of warming themselves.
Their herbivorous nature.
Mountain gorillas are primarily herbivorous and the bountifulness of lush vegetation quashes the need for them to migrate long distances in search of food. Therefore, their unique kind of diet makes them easily survive within the dense Tropical rainforest environment. Their menu typically comprises of fruits, roots, wild celery, bamboo shoots, pulp, tree barks and plant stems. Imagine if they were carnivores, they would probably leave their natural environment. Their nature of diet saves them the energy and time of moving to far distances in search for food. This is one of the reasons why leopards and other carnivorous animals are difficult to find within the gorilla natural environment.
Use of body language and Vocalizations
Mountain gorillas use body language and vocalizations for communication and socialization. These amazing Great Apes use expressive faces to perfectly show emotions, needs and desires to colleagues, and even people that are familiar with them sometimes are unable to comprehend meaning of these expressions.
Their leadership system
Mountain gorillas have one of the most organized leadership systems, with silverbacks leading each gorilla group/family. This ensures their peaceful stay in the natural environment since all decisions such as where to nest, feeding and wake up time are determined by the leader. Also, the dominant silverback has the sole right to mate with females of the family and anyone (silverbacks and blackbacks) that doesn’t agree with such arrangements is free to leave and start another gorilla family.
Use of fingers for gathering and preparing food
Mountain gorillas have specialized fingers for finding and preparing what to feed on. They can peel off fruits, uproot plants and break stems before consuming them in addition to using their fingers for fighting and protecting their members from external threats. Similarly, these Great Apes also have long and strong arms for locomotion on the ground, even while carrying their young ones on the backs.
Their secretive nature
Another way gorillas adapt to their environment is their secretive nature, to shield themselves from danger. These primates would rather stay away from trouble than participate in confrontation hence protecting their group members. Only dominant silverbacks are responsible for fighting and protecting the group while the others gorillas run to safety.
Flat teeth
Gorillas’ teeth are generally flat hence making it easier for them to chew various vegetation parts within their natural environment. They don’t ruminate (don’t chew the cud) but entirely depend on the microbes in their colon to breakdown indigestible plant material and change it into useful digestible carbohydrates through fermentation.
Best time of the year to trek incredible mountain gorillas.
The best time of the year to trek gorillas is dry season – June to September and December to February when chances of rain interruptions are lower. However, treks are done throughout the year since adventures still go on after rains have stopped.
