Gorillas are large, powerful primates primarily inhabiting the dense forests of central Africa. While mainly ground-dwelling due to their substantial size, gorillas do engage in some arboreal activities, especially when young. Their relationship with trees is nuanced, reflecting adaptations to their forest environments.
Ground Dwellers with Tree Habits
Gorillas spend most of their lives on the forest floor, performing daily activities like foraging, resting, and traveling. Unlike many primates who spend extensive time in the canopy, adult gorillas are predominately terrestrial. Their powerful build and considerable weight make ground traversal their most efficient movement.
Gorillas are capable climbers. Young, lighter gorillas spend more time in trees than adults, often for play and exploration. As gorillas mature, their increasing size limits their ability to move safely through the tree canopy.
Why Gorillas Prefer the Ground
The immense size and weight of adult gorillas contribute to their predominantly terrestrial lifestyle. Adult male silverbacks can weigh between 135 to 195 kilograms (300 to 430 pounds). This large mass makes extensive tree-dwelling impractical, as many branches cannot support their bulk. Their robust skeletal structure and powerful musculature are well-suited for knuckle-walking.
Diet also plays a role in their ground preference. Gorillas are primarily herbivores, consuming large quantities of ground-level vegetation. Mountain gorillas rely heavily on fibrous plants found on the forest floor, making up around 86% of their diet. Western Lowland gorillas incorporate more fruit, often found in trees, into their diet (up to 67%), yet still forage considerably on the ground. This dietary difference contributes to Western Lowland gorillas being slightly more arboreal than their mountain counterparts.
Specific Tree Activities
Gorillas utilize trees for specific purposes. One activity is foraging for fruits or leaves only available in the canopy. Lighter individuals, such as females and juveniles, are more frequent climbers for these food sources. Even large silverbacks may climb high into fruiting trees if branches are sturdy enough.
Another tree activity involves constructing sleeping nests. Gorillas build new nests daily for nighttime rest; while many are on the ground, some are in trees. Tree nests offer added protection from predators, and lighter gorillas, including females and younger individuals, often prefer them. Heavier silverbacks typically opt for ground nests. Young gorillas also engage in play and exploration within trees, which helps them develop their climbing abilities.