Gorillas are a keystone species in merely all of the locations and forests that they inhabit The main reason is that they are the major fruit and plant consumers of the forests, so they control plant populations, stimulate regrowth, and are one of the most important seed distributors in their habitats Gorillas live only in tropical forests of equatorial Africa. But that is not enough; it is important to guarantee that they are safe and prosper in their natural habitat. The silverback ape is found in both lowland and mountain gorillas. Western lowland adult male gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) are about 1.7 m (66.9 in.) Ivan the Gorilla with Paint Brushes [Source: Zoo Atlanta via YouTube] His artwork gained worldwide renown, as most non-human animals aren’t usually the ones to pick up paint brushes and take to work a canvas! Get insight into the life of the gorillas, with all the information you need to know to help in conserving the gorillas. Gorilla Haven is an online resource dedicated to disseminating all the information you need to know about gorillas, sharing news & updates related to conservation issues in Africa. in body length and weigh about 169.5 kg (374 lbs.). Here is the overview of silverback gorilla’s weight, strength, fight, size, and behaviors. The heavier individuals may nest in grasses on the ground. Males are at least 13 years old when they become a silverback. Male gorillas can grow to 6 feet tall from toe to head and weigh around 400 pounds. Question 1: Do gorillas fight? Only the chimpanzee and the bonobo are closer. Life for mountain gorillas isn't all peaceful. It helps to support their weight. Gorilla, (genus Gorilla), genus of primates containing the largest of the apes.The gorilla is one of the closest living relatives to humans. Many lightweight gorillas nest in trees, making beds of bent branches. Most authorities recognize two species and four subspecies. The gorilla is the largest of all primates. Adult females are about 1.5 m (59.1 in.) Babies snuggle with their mothers for the night. Learn More All About Gorillas. They are endangered, threatened by civil war in a small area of Africa where they live. Sometimes they fight if a young male tries to take over. Adult male gorilla from the age of 12 is referred to as a silverback because of its characteristic silvery-gray fur. Ivan was a western lowland gorilla born in 1962 in what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo.He was captured from the wild as a baby and brought to live with humans. Silverback gorillas are mature, adult males who develop gray or white hair on their backs. Gorilla Question & ANSWERS. Other diseases affecting gorillas are polio, hepatitis A, tuberculosis and intestinal parasites. By 2003, one-third of all wild gorillas had died due to this virus. ). They mainly put most of the weight on the third and fourth digit of their curled hands. Gorillas arms are much longer than their legs, this is why they walk around on all fours also called knuckle-walking. Many organizations and activists are performing several actions to preserve the gorillas in the world. Today, all gorilla species and subspecies are endangered, although the status of the Cross River gorillas is the most critical. Answer 1: Gorillas are usually peaceful. How Big are Gorillas. Check out this cute story all about gorillas: A news clip about two gorilla brothers separated for 3 years. Countries where gorillas live, like the Democratic Republic of the Congo, are troubled by political conflicts that usually end in wars, guerrillas or armed riots. in body length and weigh about 71.5 kg (158 lbs. Ivan the gorilla was known to paint beautiful abstract paintings during his lifetime, which is a truly remarkable feat. Armed conflicts. There is one silverback per troop and he is the leader of the hare-style group.