Silverback gorillas, with their imposing presence, are powerful creatures. Their impressive stature sparks curiosity about their size and the reasons behind it. As the largest living primates, they embody strength and a commanding presence.
Defining the Silverback’s Stature
Adult male silverback gorillas exhibit significant size. They stand between 1.5 to 1.8 meters (4 feet 11 inches to 5 feet 11 inches) when standing upright. Their weight ranges from 135 to 220 kilograms (300 to 485 pounds). Some individuals can exceed these averages, with the heaviest recorded wild gorilla weighing 267 kilograms (589 pounds) and the tallest reaching 1.95 meters (6 feet 5 inches).
Eastern lowland gorillas are the largest subspecies, followed by mountain gorillas. Male mountain gorillas can weigh up to 180 kg (400 pounds), while eastern lowland males can reach 250 kg (550 pounds). These measurements highlight the substantial build of adult male gorillas, a characteristic that plays a significant role in their social structure.
Physical Attributes Beyond Basic Size
Beyond height and weight, silverback gorillas possess other physical characteristics contributing to their powerful appearance. Their arm span ranges from 2.3 to 2.7 meters (7 feet 7 inches to 8 feet 10 inches), considerably wider than their standing height. This long arm span is beneficial for their knuckle-walking locomotion and foraging.
Their physique includes broad shoulders, a deep chest, and immense upper body musculature. This muscular build enables them to exert remarkable strength, estimated to be several times that of an average human. A larger head and a fibrous crest on top further accentuate their imposing presence.
Why Silverbacks Attain Such Proportions
The size of silverback gorillas results from biological and behavioral factors. Male gorillas continue to grow for many years, reaching full adult size between 12 and 15 years, with some growing until around 20 years old. This prolonged growth period allows them to develop large frames and substantial muscle mass.
Their herbivorous diet, primarily leaves, stems, bamboo shoots, and fruits, provides necessary nutrients for their substantial build. A silverback can consume between 30 to 40 kilograms (66 to 88 pounds) of vegetation daily, supplying the energy and building blocks for their large bodies. Although they primarily eat plants, they occasionally consume small insects, which offer additional protein and minerals.
Sexual dimorphism is a significant factor, with males substantially larger than females. Male gorillas can be twice the size of females, a common trait in species where males compete for mates and leadership. This size difference is largely due to males growing for a longer duration than females.
The silverback’s size is intertwined with its role within the troop. As the dominant male, the silverback leads and protects its family group, making decisions about foraging, movement, and resting. Their large size serves as an advantage for intimidation and defense against rival males or potential threats, ensuring the safety and cohesion of their group.