Gorillas are primates found exclusively in Africa. These intelligent apes inhabit various forest environments across the continent. Knowing where they live and the characteristics of their homes is important for their survival.
Geographical Distribution of Gorilla Species
Africa is home to two gorilla species: the Western and Eastern Gorilla, each with two subspecies. These four groups occupy specific ranges across central and western Africa, largely separated by the Congo River and its tributaries.
The Western Lowland Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) is the most widespread subspecies. They inhabit tropical forests of Central and West Africa, including Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon. Though historically present in the Democratic Republic of Congo, they are likely extinct there now. Key locations include national parks in Gabon, the Republic of Congo, Cameroon, and the Central African Republic.
The Cross River Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla diehli) has a limited distribution. This subspecies is found in small, isolated populations along the Nigeria-Cameroon border, in forested hills and mountains. Notable areas include the Mbe and Afi Mountains in Nigeria, and Takamanda National Park and Kagwene Gorilla Sanctuary in Cameroon. They are separated by approximately 300 kilometers from the nearest Western Lowland Gorilla populations.
The Eastern Lowland Gorilla (Gorilla beringei graueri), also known as Grauer’s Gorilla, is found exclusively in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Their habitat includes mountainous forests, with important populations in Kahuzi-Biega National Park, Maiko National Park, the Tayna Gorilla Reserve, and the Itombwe Massif. Their range has significantly decreased over the past 50 years due to human activity and conflict.
The Mountain Gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei) inhabits high-altitude montane forests. Their range is restricted to two separate locations across three countries: the Virunga Mountains and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The Virunga Mountains span the borders of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Virunga National Park), Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park), and Uganda (Mgahinga Gorilla National Park). The second population is in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Characteristics of Gorilla Habitats
Gorillas inhabit various tropical and subtropical forests across Africa. These environments provide vegetation for their diet and cover. Forest type and altitude vary among subspecies.
Western Lowland Gorillas live in lowland tropical forests, including swamp forests and marshes, from sea level up to 1,600 meters. These forests have distinct rainy and dry seasons, with abundant year-round vegetation. Swamp forests are important, offering reliable food sources in both wet and dry periods.
Cross River Gorillas occupy low-lying and submontane forests at altitudes between 150 and 1,600 meters. Their habitats are characterized by hilly terrain and rugged mountains along the Cameroon-Nigeria border. These areas experience more pronounced seasonal variations compared to the Western Lowland Gorilla’s range, with a wetter rainy season and a more intense dry season.
Eastern Lowland Gorillas live across a wide altitudinal range, from 600 to over 3,300 meters, including lowland, transitional, and montane forests. Their habitat in the Democratic Republic of Congo can vary from dense primeval forests to moist woodlands, papyrus marshes, and peat bogs.
Mountain Gorillas are found at high altitudes, between 2,200 and 4,300 meters. They inhabit montane cloud forests, bamboo forests, and subalpine grasslands within the Virunga Volcanoes and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. These high-altitude environments are often cloudy, misty, and cold, leading mountain gorillas to have thicker fur for insulation.
Conservation of Gorilla Habitats
Protecting gorilla habitats is important for the survival of all gorilla subspecies, as they face threats. Habitat loss and fragmentation are major concerns, driven by deforestation for agriculture, logging, mining, and human encroachment. As human populations expand, forests are cleared, forcing gorillas into smaller, isolated areas, which limits their access to food and potential mates.
Beyond direct habitat destruction, human activities introduce additional dangers. Road construction for logging opens up previously inaccessible areas, increasing access for commercial hunting and the illegal bushmeat trade. Disease transmission from humans to gorillas, such as Ebola, poses a threat. Civil unrest and conflict in some gorilla range countries complicate conservation efforts, as protected areas can become battlegrounds or sources of resources for armed groups.
Conservation efforts focus on safeguarding these important environments through various initiatives. Establishing and effectively managing national parks and protected areas is a main strategy. Organizations improve protected zone effectiveness and engage local communities to reduce pressure on forest resources. This includes promoting sustainable development, providing economic opportunities, and educating communities about conservation benefits. International agreements also bind governments in gorilla range states to collaborate on combating threats and finding coordinated solutions.