A habitat is the natural environment providing essential resources like food, water, and shelter for a species to thrive. Gorillas, as large primates, depend entirely on their specific natural environments for survival.
Where Gorillas Live
Gorillas are found exclusively in the tropical and subtropical forests of sub-Saharan Africa, with a patchy distribution across central and western parts of the continent. Western gorillas inhabit countries including Nigeria, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Republic of Congo, Angola, and parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Eastern gorillas reside in East-Central African nations like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Uganda, and Rwanda. The Congo River and its tributaries separate the ranges of the two main gorilla species, western and eastern gorillas, by almost 900 kilometers (560 miles).
Shared Features of Gorilla Habitats
Gorilla habitats are defined by dense tropical or subtropical forest cover and high rainfall, which supports lush vegetation for their herbivorous diets. Temperatures remain stable, often around 23°C (73°F), with consistent daylight. Diverse vegetation provides food and shelter. These environments often include varied terrain, from lowland to mountainous forest regions, indicating a preference for forested landscapes over open savannas.
Distinct Habitats of Gorilla Species
Mountain Gorillas
Mountain Gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) live in high-altitude cloud forests and sub-alpine regions, primarily in the Virunga Mountains of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Another population exists in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Their elevations range from 2,200 to 4,300 meters (7,200 to 14,100 feet), where forests are often misty and can experience freezing temperatures at night. Vegetation varies with altitude, including bamboo forests at lower elevations and Hagenia forests at higher altitudes, where galium vines are a year-round food source.
Western Lowland Gorillas
Western Lowland Gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) inhabit dense primary and secondary lowland tropical forests, including swamp forests, from sea level up to 1,600 meters (5,200 feet). These habitats, found in countries like Cameroon, Republic of Congo, and Gabon, receive an average of 1,500 mm (59 inches) of rainfall annually. Swamp forests are important, providing reliable food sources and protection due to their isolated location. These gorillas prefer areas with abundant edible plants, avoiding human settlements and roads.
Cross River Gorillas
Cross River Gorillas (Gorilla gorilla diehli) occupy low-lying and submontane forests, between 150 and 1,600 meters (490 to 5,250 feet) in elevation, along the Nigeria-Cameroon border. This region experiences more distinct seasonal climate variations than other gorilla ranges, with a longer, more intense dry season and greater rainfall during the wet season. The terrain is mountainous, featuring steep valleys and rugged slopes. Their habitat includes fragmented pockets of lowland, sub-montane, and montane forest types, and they often inhabit inaccessible highlands, likely due to historical hunting pressure.
Eastern Lowland Gorillas
Eastern Lowland Gorillas, also known as Grauer’s Gorillas (Gorilla beringei graueri), reside in the tropical forests of the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. They inhabit a wide altitudinal range, from 600 to 3,308 meters (1,969 to 10,853 feet), encompassing lowland, transitional, and montane forests, including bamboo forests, swamps, and peat bogs. Their habitat experiences two longer rainy seasons. Grauer’s gorillas consume a diverse, seasonal diet, including parts of at least 104 plant species, nuts, seeds, fungi, and herbs, with fruit consumption highest during the wet season. Their diet varies based on elevation and available vegetation.
Habitat and Gorilla Survival
A gorilla’s habitat directly supports its daily needs. These environments provide abundant food sources, primarily a variety of plant matter like leaves, stems, fruits, roots, and bark. Mountain gorillas, for example, rely on foliage such as wild celery, thistles, and nettles, while western lowland gorillas favor fruit. Some subspecies also supplement their diet with insects like ants and termites for protein.
Dense vegetation offers shelter, allowing gorillas to construct nests for resting and sleeping, typically on the ground, though females and juveniles may nest in trees. This cover also provides concealment from predators and the elements. While gorillas obtain much hydration from their plant-based diet, habitats ensure available water sources. These natural settings also serve as breeding grounds, facilitating reproduction and raising young, ensuring population continuation.