Gorillas are not native to South America. These large primates are exclusively found in specific regions of sub-Saharan Africa. The perception that they might inhabit South America is inaccurate, as their natural range is limited to the African continent.
Gorillas’ Native Range
Gorillas naturally live in the tropical or subtropical forests of sub-Saharan Africa. The genus Gorilla includes two primary species: the eastern gorilla and the western gorilla, each with distinct geographical distributions. Western gorillas are found in West Central Africa, inhabiting countries such as Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Equatorial Republic, Gabon, the Republic of Congo, and Nigeria. They inhabit lowland swamp and montane forests, from sea level up to 1,600 meters.
Eastern gorillas reside in East Central Africa, specifically in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda. This species includes mountain gorillas, which inhabit montane cloud forests at altitudes between 2,200 and 4,300 meters, and eastern lowland gorillas, found in submontane and lowland forests. The Congo River and its tributaries serve as a natural barrier, separating the ranges of the eastern and western gorilla species.
Understanding Primate Distribution
The distribution of primate species varies significantly across continents. While South America is indeed home to a diverse array of primates, such as howler monkeys, capuchin monkeys, and tamarins, gorillas are not part of this native fauna. Different primate groups have evolved and adapted to specific regions, resulting in unique global distributions. This distinct patterning of habitats means that certain primate families are found only on particular continents.
Gorillas’ Native Range
Gorillas naturally live in the tropical or subtropical forests of sub-Saharan Africa. The genus Gorilla includes two primary species: the eastern gorilla and the western gorilla, each with distinct geographical distributions. Western gorillas are found in West Central Africa, inhabiting countries such as Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Equatorial Republic, Gabon, the Republic of Congo, and Nigeria. They inhabit lowland swamp and montane forests, from sea level up to 1,600 meters.
Eastern gorillas reside in East Central Africa, specifically in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda. This species includes mountain gorillas, which inhabit montane cloud forests at altitudes between 2,200 and 4,300 meters, and eastern lowland gorillas, found in submontane and lowland forests. The Congo River and its tributaries serve as a natural barrier, separating the ranges of the eastern and western gorilla species.
Understanding Primate Distribution
The distribution of primate species varies significantly across continents. While South America is indeed home to a diverse array of primates, such as howler monkeys, capuchin monkeys, and tamarins, gorillas are not part of this native fauna. Different primate groups have evolved and adapted to specific regions, resulting in unique global distributions. This distinct patterning of habitats means that certain primate families are found only on particular continents.