Mountain Gorillas vs Lowland Gorillas | Differences & Who Would Win
Mountain Gorillas vs Eastern Lowland Gorillas | Differences & Who Would Win. African gorilla safaris are once-in-a-lifetime experiences that everyone should include on their itinerary. There are two distinct gorilla species that are frequently lumped together. Mountain gorillas are larger and have longer hair and shorter limbs than their lowland counterparts.
The remarkable variation between mountain and eastern lowland gorillas is a result of their individual adaptations to their respective habitats. Concerning the differences between mountain and lowland gorillas, many people have many questions. The mountain gorillas of the Virunga Mountains are renowned for their nimbleness and proficiency on the mountain slopes and in trees.
Eastern lowland gorillas, on the other hand, are larger and stronger, allowing them to force through the dense undergrowth of the Congo’s woods. Each subspecies is remarkable in its own way, and together they demonstrate the remarkable variety and hardiness of gorillas. Take a trip with Kabira Gorilla Safaris to see these incredible primates in their native environments and feel the awe of being so near to these incredible creatures. Find out more right now!
Difference Between Mountain Gorillas and Lowland Gorillas
Both the environment and the outward appearance of mountain gorillas and lowland gorillas are distinctive. The mountain gorillas thrive in the cooler, mistier air at higher elevations of the Central African Virunga Mountains. Their adaption has resulted in significantly thicker fur.
Their lowland relatives live in the dense woods of West and Central Africa, but this trait sets them apart. With a maximum weight of 440 pounds, adult male mountain gorillas are among the largest primates on the planet. Males found in lowland areas typically weigh around 350 pounds.
Knowing the differences between the two species helps with conservation efforts, even if they are both in grave risk of extinction. By learning about their unique traits, we can form a stronger bond with these incredible primates and their role in the environment.
| Characteristic | Mountain Gorilla | Lowland Gorilla |
| Physical Size | With their tails up, males can reach a weight of 440–500 lbs and a height of 5.6 feet. Muscles make up half of a person’s total weight. Frame that is thicker and stronger The largest primate | Muscle mass accounts for 40% of a man’s weight; he has a stockier physique, a longer torso, and shorter arms; and his weight ranges from 350 to 396 pounds. |
| Habitat Range | From 8,000 to 13,000 feet in the air, The following areas are home to this species: the Virunga Mountains in the Democratic Republic of the Congo; the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda; the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Rwanda; and the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. | Forests at lower elevations, Typical habitat: deep, impenetrable rainforests; preferred habitat: hot, humid lowland rainforests; geographic range: Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon |
| Reproduction | Premature infant mortality: approximately 33%, weaning age: 3 years, and reproductive interval: every 4 to 5 years. In groups of more than one male, the dominant silverback is responsible for siring 85% of the offspring. | Infant mortality rate: 1 in 4–5 years, weaning age: 3 years, and 15% of births in multi-male armies are to subordinate males. |
| Diet | Mostly abstaining from meat, Essential nutrients: bamboo stalks, stinging nettle leaves, Concentrate on rough, fibrous plants; limited diversity as a result of elevation restrictions | Bananas, guava, and berries are staples in their diet, and they play a significant role in the spread of seeds. A wider selection of foods to choose from |
| Social Structure | Solid, harmonious communities Less aggressiveness within stable soldiers, a smaller geographical range, strong inter-group relationships, and a single dominating silverback leadership | More social flexibility, longer food travel lengths, more intricate hierarchical structures, and larger group sizes |
| Conservation Status | In danger of extinction There are currently 1,063 people in the population. Held in reserve by long-standing national parks, Tourist visas can cost up to $1,500 each, and the population is going up. | Critically Endangered status; declining population trend; increased risk of poaching and disease; more difficult conservation issues owing to larger geographic range |
| Adaptations | Built for high-altitude life, with thicker fur that protects from the cold, more developed facial features, a larger snout, and a protruding forehead. | Reduced thickness and length of coat for thermal regulation, A more streamlined face shape, Less bulky physique, Modified for use in hot and muggy climates |
| Behavioral Patterns | Reduced level of physical activity throughout the day, restricted access to food sources, tight social bonds, and a sedentary way of life | Greater variety of territory, more dynamic group interactions, more vigorous daily movement, and extended travel for food |
Lowland gorillas can be observed in the trees and prefer densely forested, gentler environments than the rare mountain gorillas. As their names may suggest, the habitats of these two subspecies of gorilla are distinct. Lowland gorillas seek sanctuary in the dense rain forests along Africa’s Atlantic coast. They inhabit a comparatively small area, including the unexplored wilderness in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, the Central African Republic, and Cameroon.
The rare mountain gorillas live at higher altitudes and much further interior (4300 meters) in the wilderness of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The majority of their native habitats are the rocky summits of once-active volcanoes, although it is common for them to venture into the high, alpine regions of mountain ranges, where they may encounter freezing temperatures.
Mountain gorillas are the largest primates, with males weighing between 135 and 220 kilograms and standing between 1.2 and 1.8 meters tall. Lowland gorillas are typically smaller than mountain gorillas, weighing between 65 and 185 kilograms on average. Typically, females are roughly half the weight of males.
Lowland Gorilla Vs Mountain Gorilla: Comparisons & Similarities
Each subspecies lives in groups known as units. Large troops can have as many as 30 members, but their organisations are typically smaller. A gorilla group consists of a dominant silverback male, several females, and their young. Males begin amassing their own harem of females and forming their own group at approximately 15 years of age, when adult male children leave their biological group to live independently. Between abandoning their parents and accumulating their own females, young Lowland males typically form their own groups while remaining related to their parents.
- All dominant mature males of these subspecies develop gray hair on their backs at around 13 years of age, a few years before they begin to breed. Lowland gorillas have shorter hair and are not as dark as the critically endangered mountain gorillas. While mountain gorillas have coats that range in color from bluish-black to dark brownish gray, Lowland gorillas have coats that are lighter in color and more brown or even gray. Male lowland gorillas shed their gray fur on the back and hips as they age.
- There are also differences in the physical appearances of the two apes, although they can be difficult to distinguish at first sight. However, both species have extremely extended arms, but mountain gorillas have shorter arms than their Lowland counterparts. Additionally, they have a large nose, jaw, and larger canines.
- Male mountain gorillas emanate a strong odor from glands under their arms when agitated. Studies indicate that fragrance communication does not play a significant role in the culture of lowland species.
- Lowland gorillas are more likely to be spotted moving through the trees, despite the fact that both subspecies can ascend trees and build their nests from branches and leaves. Both subspecies are herbivores, and lowland gorillas are frequently spotted high in the trees stripping bark and leaves for sustenance.
- Both subspecies are regarded as threatened. Lowland gorillas are heavily hunted for their skins and their flesh is in high demand. In addition to habitat loss caused by human land uses, rare mountain gorillas are frequently impacted by conflict due to the location of their home ranges.
- Mountain gorillas are one of Eastern gorilla’s two subspecies. There are two types of lowland gorillas: western lowland and eastern. The scientific name for the western lowland gorilla is Gorilla gorilla gorilla, while the scientific name for mountain gorillas is Gorilla beringei beringei.