When discussing the enormous ape, we refer to the primate species that weighs the most and measures the longest. Primates are a diverse animal group that includes apes, monkeys, lemurs, and tarsiers. While some apes can be small, like the Hoolock tarsier weighing only 2 kg, others can grow to be massive, like the Gorilla weighing up to 250 kg.
Introduction
Today we discuss the largest individual gorilla ever captured on camera, as well as the largest ever recorded gorilla.
The Largest Ape Species
Gorillas are the largest species of ape with an average weight range of 310–550 lbs (140–250 kg) and height of over 5.9 ft (1.8 m). Gorillas possess massive physical strength, with the males being much larger than the females.
Gorilla Species
There are two species of gorillas, each with two subspecies. The eastern gorilla (Gorilla beringei) includes the subspecies mountain gorilla (G. b. beringei) and the eastern lowland gorilla (G. b. graueri). The western gorilla (Gorilla gorilla) includes the subspecies Cross River gorilla (G. g. diehli) and western lowland gorilla (G. g. gorilla). “Silverback gorilla” refers to any adult male gorilla.
Mission to Find The Largest Gorilla
In 2021, host Mark Vins and a camera team headed to Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo to search for some of the last remaining Mountain Gorillas in the region – including the largest Silverback.
The Trek
After a while trekking, Mark, accompanying rangers, and the camera crew came across the alpha gorilla, a massive silverback named Bageni.
Dominant Male
Bageni was the dominant male to around 44 gorillas, many of whom he’d fathered. He and the gorillas around him weren’t fazed by the camera crew, only curious.
An Absolute Unit
Mark was in awe of the size of Bageni, stating that Bageni’s hand was easily 8 times larger than Mark’s. They estimated Bageni’s weight to be well over 600 lb (270 kg).
DRC’s Mountain Gorillas
Many years of poaching had brought mountain gorilla population to a low of less than 400 individuals. However, in recent years, thanks to conservation efforts made by Virunga National Park’s rangers, the population has increased to over 1000 today. However, gorillas are still classified as an endangered species.
Brave Mission
The show, produced by Leonardo DiCaprio and Mark Vins, is titled “Brave Mission” and is available to watch as a YouTube Original. The video can be watched here.
The Largest Gorilla Ever (not on camera)
The largest gorilla recorded was a 6 ft (1.83 m) silverback in Ambam, Cameroon, who weighed 589 lb (267 kg)! So, the largest gorilla in Cameroon could be around 100 to 150 pounds heavier and a few inches taller than a normal-sized male eastern gorilla.
Species Of Apes – Size And Weight
Regarding apes, there are four main species – orangutans, gorillas, chimpanzees, and bonobos. Each species possesses unique physical characteristics and can be distinguished based on size and weight. For instance, the smallest of the apes is the bonobo, weighing around 40-50 kg. In contrast, the largest of the apes is the Gorilla, whose weight can exceed 250 kg. Chimpanzees weigh approximately 40-60 kg, while orangutans have an average weight range of 30-90 kg.
Eastern Gorilla
The largest ape in the world is the eastern Gorilla, which belongs to the Gorilla genus. These magnificent creatures have been the subject of fascination by both wildlife enthusiasts and researchers due to their unique physical and behavioral characteristics.
Size And Weight
The Eastern Gorilla is the largest living primate on Earth. Males can weigh up to 440 pounds and are about 5.5 feet tall when standing erect. Females are significantly smaller, weighing around 220 pounds and standing 4.5 feet tall. Eastern gorillas have bulky and muscular bodies covered by dense, blackish-brown fur. They have long arms ideal for climbing trees and knuckle-walking on the ground.
Skull And Face
The skull is another distinctive characteristic of the eastern gorilla. Their heads have a prominent brow ridge and sagittal crest to anchor the large jaw muscles. Their face is also relatively flat, with small nostrils, broad cheeks, and round eyes.
Diet
Eastern gorillas are herbivores and primarily eat leaves, stems, and bark from over a hundred species of plants. They also consume fruits and flowers in small quantities. Their digestive system is designed to effectively break down tough fibers from plant material.
Behavioral Traits
Eastern gorillas live in social groups known as troops, comprising one dominant silverback male, several females, and their offspring. Silverbacks are responsible for protecting their territory, females, and the young. In addition, they communicate through body language, vocalizations, and scent marking. They also have a remarkable sense of smell that helps them locate food and detect the presence of predators.
Lifespan
For gorillas, an average lifespan is around 35 years in the wild and up to 50 years in captivity. One of the fascinating traits of gorillas is that they have remarkable intelligence and can communicate with other gorillas using a range of complex sounds and gestures.
Habitat And Distribution
Eastern gorillas are native to the rainforests of Central and East Africa and are found in two subspecies: the eastern lowland gorilla and the mountain gorilla. The eastern lowland gorilla inhabits the lowland forests of the Democratic Republic of Congo. In contrast, the mountain gorilla is restricted to the high-altitude rainforests of the Virunga Massif, which covers parts of Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo.
What Are The Threats To The Gorilla Population?
Gorillas face numerous threats, including habitat destruction due to deforestation, mining, and urbanization. They are also vulnerable to poaching and the impacts of war conflicts.
Conclusion
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