Western gorilla

Western gorillas are easily distinguishable from their eastern cousins, since they are smaller and lighter-bodied. This allows them to be agile climbers and therefore excellent at gathering fruit. There are two subspecies of western gorilla: the widespread lowland gorilla and the rarer cross river gorilla. Both subspecies are sociable and live in groups. Sadly, gorilla numbers have plummeted in recent years, mainly through habitat loss, although between 1992 and 2007 the deadly ebola virus killed one third of the entire population.

Did you know?
Adult males are known as 'silverbacks' due to the silvery-white hair extending down their backs.


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