Mountain and Grauer's gorilla groups exceeding 30 individuals are occasionally observed. The size of eastern gorilla groups from Rwanda, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda is on average similar to that of western gorillas, but exhibits a larger variability. Western lowland gorillas, one of the two gorilla subspecies living in western central Africa, form breeding groups rarely exceeding 20 individuals (about 10 adult females). These groups are typically composed of several, usually unrelated, adult females, their offspring and a single silverback male. Young gorillas are born and grow up in breeding groups. Understanding the factors responsible for this flexibility has long been a research priority as it relates to the social evolution of our ancestors. Western lowland gorillas typically live in breeding groups including several females and their offspring, but also occasionally form groups that do not include any adult female. ![]() For example, mountain gorilla groups studied at the Karisoke Research Center in Rwanda can include as few as two individuals or reach 65 individuals. The composition and stability of gorilla groups varies greatly, both within gorilla populations and among the four gorilla subspecies. Only young blackback males and mature silverback males are known to spend extended periods of time ranging solitarily. ![]() Gorillas spend the major part of their life in small social groups led by a mature silverback male.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |