Gorillas are the largest living primates, inhabiting the tropical forests of equatorial Africa. They are known for their immense strength and complex social structures, living in family groups often led by a dominant male known as a silverback. This article explores the different types of gorillas and which one holds the title of the biggest.
The Largest Gorilla Species
The largest gorilla species is the Eastern Lowland Gorilla, also known as Grauer’s Gorilla, scientifically classified as Gorilla beringei graueri. It is one of two subspecies of the Eastern Gorilla (Gorilla beringei), with the other being the Mountain Gorilla. The Eastern Lowland Gorilla’s considerable size contributes to its reputation as a formidable yet peaceful forest dweller.
Physical Characteristics and Habitat
Eastern Lowland Gorillas possess distinctive physical attributes. Adult males can weigh between 135 to 220 kilograms (300 to 485 pounds), though some individuals may exceed 270 kilograms (600 pounds), and typically reach heights of 1.69 to 1.96 meters (5 feet 7 inches to 6 feet 5 inches) when standing upright. Females are generally smaller, weighing around 70 to 90 kilograms (154 to 198 pounds) and standing up to 1.6 meters (5.2 feet) tall. Their robust build includes a stocky body, broad chest and shoulders, and notably large hands. Mature males develop a prominent bony crest on top of their skull and a silver-gray saddle of hair on their backs, giving them the “silverback” designation.
These gorillas inhabit the mountainous forests of the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Their habitat spans a wide altitudinal range, encompassing lowland and montane tropical forests, and even marshlands. Significant populations are found within protected areas like Kahuzi-Biega National Park and Maiko National Park. Eastern Lowland Gorillas are primarily herbivores, consuming a diverse diet of fruits, leaves, stems, and bark. They rarely need to drink water, as they obtain sufficient moisture from the vegetation they consume.
Other Gorilla Species
The genus Gorilla is broadly divided into two main species: the Eastern Gorilla (Gorilla beringei) and the Western Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla). The Eastern Gorilla also includes the Mountain Gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei), found in the volcanic slopes of Rwanda, Uganda, and the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. While large, the Mountain Gorilla is slightly smaller and lighter in build compared to the Eastern Lowland Gorilla.
The Western Gorilla species comprises two subspecies: the Western Lowland Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) and the Cross River Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla diehli). Western Lowland Gorillas are distributed across countries such as Cameroon, Central African Republic, Republic of Congo, and Gabon. The Cross River Gorilla, considered the rarest great ape, is found in a limited region along the Cameroon-Nigeria border. Both Western Gorilla subspecies are generally smaller than their Eastern counterparts, solidifying the Eastern Lowland Gorilla’s status as the largest.