60 
0 
Gorillas are fascinating creatures that captivate the attention and curiosity of people around the world. Known for their incredible strength and gentle nature, gorillas are a special species of primates found in the tropical rainforests of Africa. One aspect that often raises questions is their size. In this article, we will explore the various gorilla species and compare their sizes to answer commonly asked questions about gorilla dimensions and proportions.
How many species of gorillas are there?
There are four recognized species of gorillas: the Western Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla), Eastern Gorilla (Gorilla beringei), Cross River Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla diehli), and the Mountain Gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei).
Which species is the largest?
The Eastern Gorilla holds the title for being the largest of all gorillas. Within this species, the Mountain Gorilla is the largest subspecies.
How large can a fully grown gorilla be?
Adult male gorillas, known as silverbacks, are the largest individuals in a group. On average, fully grown male gorillas stand approximately 5.6 to 5.9 feet tall (1.7 to 1.8 meters) when standing upright. They can weigh anywhere between 300 to 500 pounds (135 to 225 kilograms).
What about female gorillas?
While not as massive as the silverbacks, adult females, or adult females called “blackbacks,” are still impressive in size. They typically measure around 4.7 to 5.6 feet tall (1.4 to 1.7 meters) when standing upright and weigh between 200 to 300 pounds (90 to 135 kilograms).
Are there any size differences based on species?
Yes, there are noticeable size differences among the gorilla species. Mountain Gorillas are the largest, with males standing up to 5.9 feet (1.8 meters) tall and weighing up to 440 pounds (200 kilograms). They have longer hair, thicker limbs, and a slightly larger skull compared to other gorilla species.
How do the Western Gorillas compare in size?
Western Gorillas are the second-largest species. Adult males average around 5 to 5.6 feet (1.5 to 1.7 meters) tall and weigh between 330 to 440 pounds (150 to 200 kilograms). Females are smaller, measuring about 4 to 5 feet (1.2 to 1.5 meters) tall and weighing between 150 to 220 pounds (68 to 100 kilograms).
What about the Eastern Gorilla subspecies?
Within the Eastern Gorilla species, two subspecies exist: the Mountain Gorilla and the Eastern Lowland Gorilla. Mountain Gorillas, as mentioned earlier, are the largest, while Eastern Lowland Gorillas are slightly smaller. Male Eastern Lowland Gorillas stand around 5 to 5.6 feet (1.5 to 1.7 meters) tall and weigh between 330 to 440 pounds (150 to 200 kilograms). Females measure about 4 to 4.7 feet (1.2 to 1.4 meters) tall and weigh between 150 to 220 pounds (68 to 100 kilograms).
Gorillas are undeniably large and powerful creatures, but their size varies depending on the species and gender. The Eastern Gorilla, particularly the Mountain Gorilla subspecies, is the largest, followed by the Western Gorilla and Eastern Lowland Gorilla. Understanding the sizes and proportions of gorillas helps us appreciate and admire these magnificent animals even more. If you ever have the chance to observe gorillas in their natural habitats, remember to maintain a safe distance and respect their environment.
0 | 
0