Gorillas (Gorilla gorilla) are the largest and strongest of all the great apes (humans, chimpanzees, bonobos, gorillas and orang-utans). Full grown adult male gorillas are between 150 and 170 cm in height and weigh between 135 and 230 kg. Females are slightly smaller and weigh less.
In addition to being the largest of the apes, Gorillas are also the most endangered. The face numerous threats including habitat loss, hunting, and disease (such as Ebola). Gorillas also inhabit regions of political instability where civil wars rage. This creates a dangerous environment for the gorillas and makes conservation efforts very difficult.
Classification
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Primates
- Family: Hominidae
- Genus: Gorilla
- Species: Gorilla gorilla
The Species Gorilla gorilla contains the following subgroups:- Subspecies: Gorilla gorilla graueri (Grauer's gorilla)
- Subspecies: Gorilla gorilla gorilla (western lowland gorilla)
- Subspecies: Gorilla gorilla diehli (Cross River gorilla)
Range and Habitat
Equatorial regions of Africa.
References
- Burnie D, Wilson DE. 2001. Animal. London: Dorling Kindersley. 624 p.
- Csomos, R. 2008. Gorilla gorilla. Animal Diversity Web. November 22, 2008.
