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Mountain vs Lowland Gorillas: Key Differences You Need to Know

Gorillas are among the most magnificent primates on Earth, inspiring awe with their intelligence, social behavior, and impressive physical strength. Yet, not all gorillas are the same. Among the two main types are mountain gorillas and lowland gorillas, each with unique characteristics, habitats, and behaviors. Understanding their differences is essential for wildlife enthusiasts, researchers, and tourists planning a gorilla trekking adventure.

Classification of Gorillas

Gorillas are divided into two species and four subspecies:

• Species 1: Eastern Gorilla (Gorilla beringei)

  • Subspecies: Mountain gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei)

  • Eastern lowland gorilla (Grauer’s gorilla, Gorilla beringei graueri)

• Species 2: Western Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla)

  • Subspecies: Western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla)

  • Cross River gorilla (Gorilla gorilla diehli)

When most people refer to “mountain gorillas,” they mean Gorilla beringei beringei, famous for living in the high-altitude forests of East Africa. “Lowland gorillas” typically refer to both western lowland gorillas and eastern lowland gorillas inhabiting lower-altitude forests and swamps.

1. Habitat Differences

Mountain Gorillas:

• Found in the Virunga Mountains (Rwanda, Uganda, DRC) and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Uganda).

• Live at high altitudes of 8,000–13,000 feet (2,400–4,000 meters) above sea level.

• Dense forests with bamboo thickets, montane forests, and high rainfall.

Lowland Gorillas:

• Inhabit dense tropical rainforests and swamps in central and western Africa.

• Found in countries like Congo, Gabon, Cameroon, and the Central African Republic.

• Lower elevation, warmer climate, and more accessible terrain.

Takeaway: Mountain gorillas thrive in cooler, misty highlands, while lowland gorillas adapt to hotter, humid lowlands.

2. Physical Differences

Size and Weight:

• Mountain Gorillas: Larger and more muscular due to rugged terrain. Adult males can weigh 300–485 lbs (136–220 kg).

• Lowland Gorillas: Slightly smaller and leaner. Adult males weigh 300–400 lbs (136–180 kg).

Height:

• Mountain gorillas: Up to 5.9–6 feet (1.7–1.8 m) standing upright.

• Lowland gorillas: Slightly shorter, averaging 5.5–5.8 feet (1.65–1.75 m).

Facial Features:

• Mountain gorillas have bigger nostrils and a more pronounced sagittal crest on their skulls, giving them strong jaw muscles for chewing tough vegetation.

• Lowland gorillas have smaller nostrils and a less prominent crest, reflecting their softer diet.

Fur Density:

• Mountain gorillas possess longer, thicker fur to keep warm in cold high-altitude environments.

• Lowland gorillas have shorter, finer hair suitable for humid lowlands.

3. Diet and Foraging Habits

Mountain Gorillas:

• Primarily herbivorous, feeding on leaves, stems, shoots, bamboo, and fruits.

• Occasionally eat ants and small insects.

• Require large amounts of vegetation due to lower nutrient density in mountain flora.

Lowland Gorillas:

• Eat a more varied diet, including fruits, leaves, seeds, and occasionally small invertebrates.

• Access to abundant fruit in lowland rainforests allows them to maintain slightly leaner bodies.

Interesting Note: The differences in diet contribute to variations in jaw size, tooth structure, and digestive adaptations between the two types of gorillas.

4. Social Structure and Behavior

Both mountain and lowland gorillas live in troops led by a dominant silverback, but subtle differences exist:

• Mountain Gorillas: Troops usually have 5–30 members and are relatively stable over time. Silverbacks often defend their group aggressively against threats.

• Lowland Gorillas: Troops are generally larger and more fluid, sometimes reaching up to 50 members. They are slightly more social with neighboring groups.

Behavioral Traits:

• Mountain gorillas are calmer and less confrontational, partly due to living in more secluded habitats.

• Lowland gorillas may display more social interactions and occasional conflicts due to larger troop sizes and denser habitats.

5. Conservation Status

Mountain Gorillas:

• Critically endangered with approximately 1,200 individuals left in the wild.

• Protected through initiatives like gorilla trekking tourism in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Volcanoes National Park.

Lowland Gorillas:

• Western lowland gorillas are endangered; eastern lowland gorillas (Grauer’s) are critically endangered.

• Threats include poaching, habitat loss, and disease (e.g., Ebola virus).

Tourism with ethical operators like Monumental Gorilla Tours supports conservation and provides funding for anti-poaching efforts.

6. Gorilla Trekking: Mountain vs Lowland Experiences

Mountain Gorilla Trekking (Uganda, Rwanda, DRC):

• Requires hiking through dense forests and mountainous terrain.

• Offers close encounters with habituated gorilla families.

• Best in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Uganda) or Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda).

• More regulated due to smaller troop sizes and critically endangered status.

Lowland Gorilla Viewing (Central Africa):

• Less popular with tourists due to remote swampy terrain and limited habituated groups.

• Offers more wild, untamed experiences, suitable for adventurous travelers.

For a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience, Monumental Gorilla Tours offers expertly guided trips to see mountain gorillas safely and responsibly.

7. Fun Facts Highlighting Their Differences

1. Fur Adaptation: Mountain gorillas’ thick fur helps them survive temperatures as low as 40°F (5°C), while lowland gorillas thrive in tropical heat.

2. Fruit Consumption: Lowland gorillas eat significantly more fruit due to abundant rainforest resources, whereas mountain gorillas rely on leaves and shoots.

3. Conservation Heroes: Mountain gorillas are among the most successful conservation stories in Africa, with populations slowly increasing thanks to tourism and protection.

Conclusion

While both mountain and lowland gorillas share common traits—intelligence, social behavior, and incredible strength—their differences are striking:

Whether you are drawn to the secluded, misty mountains of East Africa or the lush, expansive lowlands of Central Africa, witnessing gorillas in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience. Mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda remains the most accessible and awe-inspiring way to connect with these majestic primates.

Plan your adventure today with Monumental Gorilla Tours and support conservation while exploring the wonders of the wild.