Let us explore the differences of these gorilla species, the lowland gorillas vs the Mountain gorillas. Gorillas are the most sought-after primate species on Africa safaris, these gentle giants inhabit the tropical forests of equatorial Africa and they are divided into two species, the eastern gorilla and western gorillas, and five subspecies.
Previously, the eastern lowland gorillas and mountain gorillas were previously thought to be two of the three subspecies of one single species, the gorilla (Gorilla gorilla). However, the genetic research has shown that the two eastern subspecies are far more closely related than western subspecies – the western lowland gorilla.
About Eastern Gorillas (Gorilla Beringei)
The Eastern gorilla scientifically known as Gorilla Beringei is a critically endangered species of gorillas and the largest living primate. These primates are subdivided into two species that is eastern lowland gorillas and mountain gorillas.
Mountain Gorillas
Mountain gorillas scientifically known as (Gorilla beringei beringei) are giant primates, a subspecies of the eastern gorilla only found in East and Central Africa. They are the biggest living primates, larger, more powerful and have thicker, longer fur than other gorilla species, which allows them to survive only in harsh environments at higher altitudes and in extreme cold.
Each mountain gorillas has a nose print unique to each individual.
Of all the gorilla species, mountain gorillas are the most threatened and only found in Uganda (hosting half of the remaining population), Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. Mountain gorillas are found in two populations, one found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the second population in the Viruga Mountain slopes made up of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Virunga National Park in DR.Congo and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.
The Eastern Lowland Gorillas
Scientifically known as Gorilla beringei graueri is the largest of the four gorilla subspecies. It is distinguished from other gorillas by its stocky body, large hands and short muzzle. Despite its size, eastern lowland gorillas subsist mainly on fruit and other herbaceous materials, just like other gorilla subspecies.
Eastern lowland gorillas are only found in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, living in tropical rain forest in mountainous and lowland areas of Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The largest population live in Kahuzi Biega National Park, another population is found in Maiko National Park and small groups in the adjacent forests and reserves - Itombwe Massig, Usala forest and Tayna Gorilla reserve.
Western Lowland Gorillas
Scientifically known as Gorilla gorilla gorilla, the Western lowland gorillas are the smallest of the four gorilla subspecies, which also include the Cross River gorillas, Grauer’s gorillas, and mountain gorillas. Western lowland gorillas have shorter black-brown hair longer arms, and more prominent ridge along their brow.
Just like other gorilla subspecies, the western lowland gorillas can be found in central and Western Africa including Cameroon, Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatoria Guinea, Gabon, Angola, and the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Angola, and the Republic of the Congo
Comparing Mountain Gorillas and Lowland Gorillas (Mountain Gorillas Vs Lowland Gorillas)
Physical Appearance
In appearance, Mountain Gorillas Vs Lowland Gorillas, mountain gorillas are bigger with longer darker hair and shorter arms than the lowland gorillas. Mountain gorilla bodies are made in such as a way that they adapted to their habitat. They thrive in mountainous areas with freezing temperatures that is why they have heavy fur to keep them warm.
Lowland gorillas on the other hand live in much warmer areas and do not require thick fur.
Additionally, mountain gorillas are typically heavier with an average mountain gorilla weighing about 200kg (440 pounds) compared to an average lowland gorilla that weighs about 150kg (330 pounds).
Compared to lowland gorillas, mountain gorillas have larger nose, jaw and bigger teeth.
Social Life
In terms of social life, Mountain Gorillas Vs Lowland Gorillas, Both mountain gorillas and lowland gorillas are social creatures living in groups or families of about 30 members.
Mountain gorillas live in groups of 5 to 25 members usually led by a dominant silverback. Lowland gorillas on the other hand live in large groups with more than 50 members, each group has more than one silverbacks.
The social life of mountain gorillas is slightly different from the lowland gorillas, characterized by frequent interactions among group members. Lowland gorillas tend to be more dispersed and travel more than mountain gorillas, who mostly stick together with minimal individual activity.
When stressed, mountain gorillas are known for emitting a strong odor from their glands under the arms. Lowland gorillas on the other hand, their scent communication plays a non-significant role considering their culture in the wild.
Additionally, mountain gorillas do groom each other for about 15 minutes every day, this is one of the ways they bond. Lowland gorillas on the other hand, don’t interact as often and so have much less grooming behavior.
Generally, gorillas are intelligent creatures with impressive communication abilities displaying about 25 distinct sounds, also they use tools to perform different tasks just like chimpanzees.
Habitat
In terms of the habitat, Mountain Gorillas Vs Lowland Gorillas, Mountain gorillas inhabit at the high elevations of the mountains ranging from 8,000 to 13,000 feet and can only be found in only 3 countries; Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo.
Lowland gorillas on the other hand live on the edges of rainforests and swamplands occasionally foraging for food on adjacent savannah grasslands. They are found in Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Central African Republic, Gabon and Angola.
Mountain gorillas have adapted to harsher cold climate conditions as they as in higher elevation zones which are usually cooler than their lowland counterparts. Lowland gorillas however, have been able to live in captivity and can easily be relocated.
Diet
In terms of diet, Mountain Gorillas Vs Lowland Gorillas, generally, gorillas are herbivores however, the western lowland gorillas depend on vines, stem, roots, leaves and about 100 distinct kinds of fruits. Occasionally, they feed on insects and some small reptiles.
Mountain gorillas strictly feed on plant material like shoots, stem, flowers, tree barks and leaves. They have also been observed eating certain types of insects particularly in areas where foliage to eat is limited.
In conclusion, on the Mountain Gorillas Vs Lowland Gorillas, they both feed on the same items only differentiated by the habitat, as lowland gorillas have got more food options compared to mountain gorillas.
