Mountain gorillas, found in the high-altitude forests of Central Africa, are primarily herbivorous animals. Their diet consists almost entirely of various plant parts sourced from their dense forest habitat. This vegetarian lifestyle provides them with the necessary energy and nutrients to sustain their large body size and active lives.
The Core Herbivorous Diet
Mountain gorillas are primarily herbivorous, with their diet consisting almost entirely of plant parts. Leaves, buds, and stems collectively account for over 85% of their food intake, providing essential fiber and nutrients. They also consume the pith, the soft inner part of plant stems, often for its moisture and nutrient content. Gorillas strip bark from trees, accessing inner layers for sustenance.
Roots, contributing about 7% of their daily food, are also eaten. These primates exhibit selective foraging behavior, carefully choosing the most palatable and nutritious parts of plants. To sustain their large bodies, adult mountain gorillas consume substantial amounts of vegetation daily, with males eating up to 34 kilograms (75 pounds) and females around 18 kilograms (40 pounds).
Specific Plant Species Consumed
Mountain gorillas consume a diverse array of specific plant species found within their habitat. Bamboo shoots are a favored food source, especially when young and tender, offering moisture and carbohydrates. Wild celery, thistles, and nettles are common dietary items; gorillas skillfully handle plants with natural defenses to access edible parts.
Their diet also includes leaves from various herbaceous plants and vines. Fruits constitute a minor part of their diet, typically around 2%, due to their scarcity in high-altitude environments, but are consumed when available. The specific composition of their diet can vary seasonally, influenced by the availability of different plant species.
Beyond the Green: Supplemental Foods
While plants form the majority of their diet, mountain gorillas occasionally supplement their food intake. They may consume small insects, such as ants, termites, or larvae, which provide a small amount of protein. Gorillas also ingest mineral-rich soil or charcoal.
Soil consumption, known as geophagy, provides essential minerals that may be scarce in their plant diet. Charcoal, possibly from burnt wood, may aid digestion or neutralize toxins from certain plants. These supplemental items are consumed infrequently but contribute to their overall nutritional balance.