The mountain gorilla is considered the largest and most powerful representative of the order of primates. To date, the number of these huge animals is about seven hundred individuals, so they are listed in the Red Book and are protected by funds and international environmental organizations. The life of these great apes has always been shrouded in terrible legends and secrets. But that all changed when a few brave researchers decided to study their habits and behavior.
History
At the beginning of the twentieth century, the mountain gorilla was discovered by the German captain Oscar von Behring. This man was an officer, not a scientist, so he was in Africa not at all for zoological research. However, he managed to collect a lot of evidence for his discovery, so this species of primate was named after him - the Bering mountain gorilla.
After some time, the Museum of Natural History, located in America, decided to send Carl Ackley to the Congo. He was a naturalist and taxidermist, so the purpose of his trip was to shoot several individuals of these animals and make them into stuffed animals. After completing his task, returning home, he was able to convince scientists that these rare primates needed to be saved, anddo not kill, as this species is already on the verge of extinction.
Karl was so interested in the mountain gorilla that he studied these animals until his death and was even buried in the park where primates live.
Besides him, these great apes were also studied by George Schaller and Dian Fossey. Thanks to these explorers, who lived in close proximity to giant animals for many years, the myth of the bloodthirstiness and ferocity of the eastern mountain gorillas was dispelled. Scientists also waged an active campaign to combat the brutal extermination of primates, since only 260 individuals remained in the middle of the twentieth century.
Appearance
Despite the fact that this is a kind and completely harmless animal, the mountain gorilla has a rather formidable appearance. The description of these giants suggests that they have a large head, broad chest, flat nose with large nostrils, and long legs. All individuals, without exception, have brown and close-set eyes, framed by dark rings around the iris. These animals are almost all covered with fur, except for the chest, face, feet and palms. Their coat is black, and mature males still have a silver stripe on their backs.
The mountain gorilla is the second largest primate. The body length of an adult male can reach 190 cm, and the average weight is from 170 to 210 kg. The female is much smaller, since her body weight does not exceed 100 kg at a height of 135 cm.
Distribution
Currently, the range of theseprimate is the most protected place in Central Africa. They live in a small area near the Great Rift Valley, on the slopes of extinct volcanoes.
These animals are divided into two isolated and small populations. One of them lives in the Virunga mountains, and the second - in the southwestern part of Uganda near the National Reserve.
Behavior of giants
In this protected area, primates lead a calm, measured and monotonous life. They live in small and friendly families, consisting of a leader, several females and cubs. Babies are born about once every four years. Unlike his large parents, the baby weighs only two kilograms. At the age of four months, he climbs onto his mother's back and rides there for the next three years of his life.
The mountain gorilla is a fairly peaceful animal, so it rarely behaves aggressively. Quarrels in their families occur infrequently and mainly among females. These primates climb trees well and deftly, although they mostly lead a terrestrial lifestyle and move on four limbs. They spend the night where the sunset will find them.
What do they eat?
These animals get up quite late, after which they form a chain and go in search of provisions. The leader of such a detachment is the leader, and all the other members of the herd follow him. Having found a suitable place, the whole group disperses, and everyone gets his own food. Their diet consists ofmainly from vegetation and fruits. In addition, they can still feast on insect larvae, shoots, stems and snails. Thus, according to scientists and researchers, adult and young males can eat about 35 kg of vegetation per day.
A gorilla's meal looks like this: the animals sit comfortably in the middle of their chosen area and begin to absorb everything they can get, and when everything tasty is over, they move to another place. In the middle of the day there is a break, during which the whole group rests and digests food. After such a h alt, the family again gathers in a certain detachment and is looking for another meal.
Interesting facts
It turns out that mountain gorillas can scare people and their enemies with more than one formidable sight. The strength of the hands of this animal is simply incredible, and the length of the fangs is about five centimeters. Therefore, when the male feels the approach of danger, he immediately begins to rush towards his enemy, shaking everything in his path. Reaching the goal, he stands on his hind legs and hits himself hard in the chest, thus showing his serious intentions. But the leader can attack the enemy only if he starts to run away from him in horror. For this reason, the bites of such primates in many African tribes are considered a disgrace.
The mountain gorilla has not yet been fully explored these days. Photos of their daily life show that animals have a very high intelligence, which has not yet been fully disclosed by scientists. But unfortunately,despite the growth in the number of these great apes, their population continues to be on the verge of extinction. Therefore, many conservation organizations are conducting various activities designed to help and maintain the population of these primates, thanks to which there is hope that this species of gorilla will not disappear.
