The western lowland gorilla is one of the largest living primates with average weights of 400 pounds. For the most part gorillas lead a terrestrial life, although the young may spend some time in the lower canopy foraging. Despite their fierce reputation and appearance, the gorilla is a rather shy and reserved animal. Leaves and stems make up the majority of the gorilla’s diet, but they will also eat fruit.

Gorilla troops may contain up to 35 members and are always led by a singe adult male known as the silverback. The troop will travel between 0.3-0.6 miles each day, although their overall feeding territories may be as large as 11.5 square miles. Gorillas show great aversions to water and will not cross even the shallowest of streams. They get the moisture they need from the succulent foods they eat and will rarely drink water. Except for humans, gorillas have no natural enemies.

The gorilla’s African range is being cleared for timber and agricultural development. Formerly, forests were cleared away slowly enough to allow for secondary growth. Now, permanent ranches are being established in what were once gorilla territories. Gorillas are also victims in the bushmeat trade and numbers have declined due to poaching.