The largest and most powerful representative of the primate squad is considered a mountain gorilla. To date, the number of these huge animals totals about seven hundred individuals, so they are listed in the Red Book and protected by funds and international environmental organizations. The life of these anthropoid apes has always been shrouded in terrible legends and secrets. But that all changed when several brave researchers decided to study their habits and behavior.
History
At the beginning of the twentieth century, the mountain gorilla was discovered by German captain Oscar von Bering. This man was an officer, not a scientist, so he was not in Africa for zoological research. However, he managed to collect a lot of evidence of his discovery, so this species of primates was named after him - the mountain gorilla Beringe.
After some time, the Museum of Natural History, located in America, decided to send Karl Ackley to Congo. He was a naturalist and taxidermist, so the purpose of his trip was to shoot several individuals of these animals and make them stuffed. After completing his task, returning home, he was able to convince scientists that these rare primates must be saved, not killed, since this species is already on the verge of extinction.
Carla 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.
In addition to him, these anthropoids were studied by George Schaller and Diane Fossi. Thanks to these researchers, who lived in close proximity with giant animals for many years, the myth of the bloodthirstiness and ferocity of the eastern mountain gorillas was dispelled. Scientists also conducted an active campaign to combat the brutal extermination of primates, since in the middle of the twentieth century there were only 260 individuals left.
Appearance
Despite the fact that this is a kind and completely harmless animal, a mountain gorilla has a rather formidable appearance. The description of these giants suggests that they have a large head, a wide chest, a flat nose with large nostrils and long legs. All individuals, without exception, have brown eyes and closely set eyes, framed by dark rings around the iris. These animals are almost all covered with fur, except for the chest, face, feet and hands. Their coat is black, and mature males still have a silver strip on their back.
The mountain gorilla is the second largest in size among primates. The body length of an adult male can reach 190 cm, and average weight from 170 to 210 kg. The female is much smaller, as her body weight does not exceed 100 kg at a height of 135 cm.
Spread
Currently, the area of these primates 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.
Giants behavior
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. They have babies about once every four years. Unlike its large parents, the baby weighs only two kilograms. Having reached the age of four months, he climbs onto the back of his mother and rides there for the next three years of his life.
Mountain gorilla is a rather peaceful animal, therefore it is extremely rare to behave aggressively. Quarrels in their families occur infrequently and mainly among females. These primates climb trees well and deftly, although they generally lead a land-based lifestyle and move on four limbs. They spend the night where their sunset will catch.
What do they eat?
These animals get up quite late, after which they are built in a chain and sent off in search of provisions. The leader is led by such a detachment, and all the other members of the herd follow him. Having found a suitable place, the whole group is scattered, and everyone gets his own food. Their diet consists mainly of vegetation and fruits. In addition, they can still feast on insect larvae, shoots, stems and snails. Thus, according to scientists and researchers, adults and young males can eat about 35 kg of vegetation per day.
The gorilla meal looks like this: animals sit comfortably in the middle of their chosen area and begin to absorb everything they can get, and when all the tasty ends, they move to another place. In the middle of the day, a break occurs during which the whole group rests and digests food. After such a break, the family again gathers in a certain detachment and is looking for another meal.
