The Eastern Lowland Gorilla, a distinctive primate species, is formally recognized by its scientific name, Gorilla beringei graueri. This classification provides a precise, globally understood identifier for this subspecies, distinguishing it within the broader gorilla family. Such a name is fundamental in biological studies and conservation efforts.
The Name Gorilla beringei graueri
The scientific name Gorilla beringei graueri is a trinomial, representing a subspecies within a larger species. The first part, Gorilla, denotes the genus, grouping all gorilla species. This genus name originates from the Greek word “gorillai,” meaning “tribe of hairy women,” a term reported by an ancient Carthaginian explorer, Hanno the Navigator, around 500 BC.
The second component, beringei, is the species epithet, honoring German army captain Friedrich Robert von Beringe, who discovered the mountain gorilla subspecies in 1903. This species, Gorilla beringei, encompasses two subspecies: the Eastern Lowland Gorilla and the Mountain Gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei). The third part, graueri, is the subspecies epithet, named after Austrian zoologist and explorer Rudolf Grauer, who identified this great ape as a distinct subspecies in the early 20th century.
About the Eastern Lowland Gorilla
The Eastern Lowland Gorilla, also known as Grauer’s gorilla, is the largest gorilla subspecies and the largest living primate. Adult males, often called “silverbacks” due to the graying fur on their backs as they mature, weigh between 150 and 209 kilograms (331 and 461 pounds) and stand up to 1.96 meters (6 feet 5 inches) tall. Females are smaller, weighing around 76 kilograms (168 pounds) and reaching about 1.6 meters (5.2 feet) in height. They have a robust build, large hands, a stocky body, and a relatively shorter muzzle compared to other gorillas. Their coat is jet black, sometimes appearing blue-black, with shorter hair on their head and body than the mountain gorilla.
This subspecies is found exclusively in the lowland tropical rainforests and mountainous forests of the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Key populations inhabit areas such as Kahuzi-Biega National Park, Maiko National Park, and the Itombwe Massif. They primarily reside in dense primary forests but can adapt to moderately moist woodlands and Cyperus swamps where suitable vegetation is present. Their diet is primarily herbivorous, consisting of leaves, stems, bark, and fruits. They also consume small quantities of insects like ants and termites. Given their moisture-rich diet from plants, they rarely need to drink water directly. They are sociable animals, living in family groups called “troops” that range from 2 to over 30 individuals, averaging 15 to 20. Each troop is led by a dominant silverback male, responsible for protecting the group from external threats and guiding them to feeding and nesting sites.
The Importance of Scientific Naming
Scientific naming, particularly through binomial and trinomial nomenclature, provides a universal system for identifying species and subspecies in biology. This standardized approach, attributed to Carl Linnaeus, ensures each organism has one unique name recognized globally, regardless of language or region. Common names, in contrast, can vary widely, leading to confusion; for example, what is called a “panther” in one region might refer to a different animal elsewhere.
Scientific names are also fundamental for classification, helping scientists understand evolutionary relationships. The hierarchical structure of scientific names, where the genus comes before the species epithet, indicates how closely related different organisms are. This systematic organization facilitates communication among scientists, researchers, and conservationists worldwide. It allows for precise discussions, supporting global research, conservation, and the accurate tracing of species evolution and responses to environmental changes.