Gorilla

Natural Habitat

Tropical and subtropical forests of sub-Saharan Africa. Habits vary depending on the species, from lowland rainforests to montane cloud forests.

Diet & Feeding

Mainly herbivores, their diet consists primarily of leaves, stems, bamboo shoots, and fruit. They occasionally eat insects.

Behavior Patterns

Gorillas live in groups called troops, led by a dominant male called a silverback. They communicate using a variety of vocalizations, gestures, and facial expressions. They spend their days foraging for food, resting, and socializing. They build nests to sleep in, often in trees.

Risks & Benefits

Gorillas are a critically endangered species, facing threats from habitat loss, poaching, and disease. Their benefit to the ecosystem includes seed dispersal and influencing forest structure. There are no direct benefits or risks to humans unless provoked, in which case they can be dangerous due to their size and strength.

Identified on: 7/1/2025