Gorillas are among the largest and most powerful primates. Their immense physical presence is a testament to their strength. Understanding their physical dimensions provides insight into their biology and behavior.
Key Measurements: Weight, Height, and Arm Span
Adult gorillas exhibit significant variations in physical dimensions between individuals and sexes. Male gorillas generally weigh 135 to 272 kilograms (300 to 600 pounds), while females typically weigh 68 to 113 kilograms (150 to 250 pounds). An adult male gorilla’s standing height ranges from 1.5 to 1.8 meters (4 feet 11 inches to 5 feet 11 inches) when upright. On all fours, their height is about 1 to 1.15 meters (39.4 to 45.3 inches).
Gorillas possess muscular arms significantly longer than their legs. An adult male gorilla’s arm span ranges from 2.3 to 2.7 meters (7.5 to 8.5 feet). This arm length is approximately 30 centimeters (1 foot) longer than that of an adult human male. Their upper body strength is several times more powerful than that of an adult human.
Size Variations: Males, Females, and Species Differences
Gorillas exhibit pronounced sexual dimorphism, with adult males considerably larger and heavier than females. Adult male gorillas, often called silverbacks due to the silver fur that develops on their backs as they mature, can be nearly twice the size of females. Males continue to grow for a longer duration than females, influencing this size difference. Size also varies across the four gorilla subspecies, divided into two main species: Eastern and Western gorillas.
Eastern lowland gorillas (Grauer’s gorillas) are the largest subspecies. Males average 163 to 210 kilograms (360 to 460 pounds) and reach up to 1.85 meters (6.1 feet) tall. Females weigh 81 to 100 kilograms (178 to 220 pounds) and stand up to 1.6 meters (5.2 feet) tall.
Mountain gorillas, another Eastern subspecies, have males weighing 150 to 220 kilograms (330 to 485 pounds) and standing 1.7 to 1.76 meters (5.6 to 5.8 feet) tall. Female mountain gorillas typically weigh 70 to 100 kilograms (154 to 220 pounds).
Western lowland gorillas, the most widespread subspecies, are generally smaller than their Eastern counterparts. Males average 136 to 170 kilograms (300 to 374 pounds) and stand around 1.7 meters (5.6 feet) tall. Females usually weigh 68 to 95 kilograms (150 to 200 pounds) and have an average height of 1.4 to 1.5 meters (4.5 to 4.9 feet).
The Cross River gorilla, the other Western subspecies, is considered the smallest. Males can still reach 140 to 200 kilograms (310 to 440 pounds) and a height of 1.65 to 1.75 meters (5.4 to 5.7 feet). Female Cross River gorillas weigh around 100 kilograms (220 pounds) and are about 1.4 meters (4.7 feet) tall.