Gorilla

MammalGreat ApePrimate

Overview

Gorillas (genus Gorilla) are the largest living primates and are among the closest living relatives of humans. Two species are recognised: the western gorilla (G. gorilla) and the eastern gorilla (G. beringei), each with subspecies including the mountain gorilla and the western lowland gorilla. All recognised forms are restricted to forested habitats in central Africa.

Conservation note: Gorilla species and subspecies range from Endangered to Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List depending on the specific population. Verify current status at iucnredlist.org before publication.

Habitat & Range

Western gorillas live in lowland and swamp forests across western and central Africa. Eastern gorillas occupy forested habitats in the Albertine Rift region, with mountain gorillas restricted to a small number of high-elevation forest blocks straddling Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Diet

Gorillas are predominantly herbivorous, with diets centred on leaves, stems, shoots, pith, fruits, and (in some populations) bark. Diet composition varies by species, habitat, and season — fruit is generally more important to western gorillas, while mountain gorillas consume a larger proportion of leaves and herb material. Small amounts of invertebrate prey have been documented in some populations.

Behavior

Gorillas live in stable social groups typically led by a single dominant adult male — the "silverback" — together with several adult females and their offspring. Group sizes vary by species and habitat. Communication includes a wide range of vocalisations, gestures, and facial expressions; long-running research programmes have documented complex social behaviours including reconciliation, tool use in some populations, and mother-infant teaching.

Human Interaction & Conservation

Gorillas are subject to severe pressures from habitat loss, poaching (including for bushmeat), disease transmission (notably Ebola in some western populations), and civil conflict in parts of their range. Long-term mountain gorilla conservation work — including ecotourism and community engagement — has been associated with population recoveries in some areas, but all gorillas remain at elevated risk.

Appearance & Recognition

Gorillas are the largest living primates, with a build that is unmistakable in the field: a heavy barrel-shaped torso, broad chest and shoulders, proportionally long arms, and shorter, powerfully muscled legs. The face, hands, feet, and chest are largely bare; the rest of the body is covered in short to medium-length hair that is typically black to dark brown in younger adults. Adult males develop a tall sagittal crest on top of the skull that produces a notably peaked head profile.

Appearance varies with age, sex, species and subspecies. Mature males carry a distinctive saddle of silver-grey hairacross the back and rump — the "silverback" pattern — which females and younger males do not show. Mountain gorillas (G. beringei beringei) have longer, thicker fur as a cold-climate adaptation; western lowland gorillas have shorter coats and sometimes a rusty crown. All gorillas move quadrupedally on knuckles when on the ground, a posture and gait that is itself part of recognition at a distance.

Similar Animals

Gorillas belong to the family Hominidae alongside chimpanzees, bonobos, orangutans and humans. Among non-human apes, they are most closely related to chimpanzees, bonobos and humans.

More photos of the gorilla

Adult silverback western gorilla (Gorilla gorilla) seated in a forest setting. — Adult silverback gorilla — a contrasting view to the mountain-gorilla hero image.
Image: TKnoxB from Chemainus, BC, Canada, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Frequently Asked Questions — Gorilla

How closely related are gorillas to humans?

Gorillas are among our closest non-human relatives. Estimates from genetic comparisons put the gorilla-human shared ancestry around the level of 'great apes' overall; chimpanzees and bonobos are slightly closer to humans than gorillas are.

What is a silverback?

'Silverback' refers to an adult male gorilla, named for the patch of silver-grey hair that develops on the back with age. The dominant male in a gorilla group is typically a silverback and plays a central role in group cohesion, decision-making, and defence.

Are gorillas aggressive?

Gorillas are generally not aggressive toward humans unless threatened. Most displays of aggression — chest-beating, vocalisations, or charging — function to defuse conflict without physical contact. Wildlife authorities consistently emphasise that respectful behaviour and adequate distance prevent escalation.

How many gorillas are left in the wild?

Wild population figures vary by species and subspecies and are updated periodically by conservation organisations such as the IUCN and the Wildlife Conservation Society. Current numbers should be taken from the most recent published surveys rather than older approximate figures.

Sources and further reading

Authoritative wildlife references used for general educational context. Conservation status should always be verified against current IUCN Red List data. External links open in a new tab.

UniversityAnimal Diversity Web — Gorilla gorilla (western gorilla) — University of Michigan species account
ReferenceEncyclopaedia Britannica — Animals reference — Editor-reviewed encyclopedia overview entries
Wildlife referenceIUCN Red List of Threatened Species — Authoritative source for current conservation status