Primate

Western lowland gorilla

The Western lowland gorilla, a large primate in the tropical forests of Africa, offers insight into the social complexity of primates, highlighting the need to protect these threatened species to ensure biodiversity.

Agressive when they feel threatened

gray hair on its massive back.

This large primate lives in groups usually with a dominant male gorilla, larger and stronger than the females. It can reach up to 1.80 meters tall and weigh nearly 200 kg, with gray hair on its back. Alongside him are a few females and their offspring, including babies, juveniles, teenagers, and young adults. Their reproductive rate is low: the female only matures after about eight years and gives birth to one offspring per year after a gestation period of about 9 months.

The species is classified as critically endangered. Indeed, while there were approximately 100,000 individuals 20 years ago, intense deforestation, poaching, and especially diseases such as a form of the HIV virus, malaria, and especially Ebola, have decimated gorilla populations.