The Western Lowland Gorilla is the nominate subspecies of the Western Gorillas found in Cameroon and other parts of Central Africa. It is also the smallest of the four subspecies.
This type of gorilla has black skin and coarse black hair except for the bare face, ears, hands, and feet. Notably, Snowflake, the unique albino gorilla from Equatorial Guinea, hailed from this species. Taken as a youngster to the Barcelona Zoo in 1966, Snowflake's pale form intrigued the world.
Contrary to previous beliefs that gorillas were non-territorial, studies have shown that their neighbors' locations influence their movements. They demonstrate a preference against feeding in areas visited by another group the same day, indicating a more nuanced territorial behavior4.
Interestingly, Western Lowland Gorillas show signs of tool use. A recorded instance in 2009 reveals a gorilla using a stick to gauge water depth while another used a bucket to collect water at Buffalo Zoological Gardens. This display of spontaneous tool utilization for drinking, particularly among younger females, provides a unique glimpse into gorilla cognition.
Lastly, a serious concern with western lowland gorillas is their link to zoonotic diseases. Scientists believe them to be one of the sources of HIV/AIDS transmission. This is attributed to the Simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) in gorillas, which surprisingly resembles a strain present in HIV-1.
Username: Ekpolok Published on 2024-12-12 10:28:15 ID NUMBER: 126657
The Western Lowland Gorilla is the nominate subspecies of the Western Gorillas found in Cameroon and other parts of Central Africa. It is also the smallest of the four subspecies.
This type of gorilla has black skin and coarse black hair except for the bare face, ears, hands, and feet. Notably, Snowflake, the unique albino gorilla from Equatorial Guinea, hailed from this species. Taken as a youngster to the Barcelona Zoo in 1966, Snowflake's pale form intrigued the world.
Contrary to previous beliefs that gorillas were non-territorial, studies have shown that their neighbors' locations influence their movements. They demonstrate a preference against feeding in areas visited by another group the same day, indicating a more nuanced territorial behavior4.
Interestingly, Western Lowland Gorillas show signs of tool use. A recorded instance in 2009 reveals a gorilla using a stick to gauge water depth while another used a bucket to collect water at Buffalo Zoological Gardens. This display of spontaneous tool utilization for drinking, particularly among younger females, provides a unique glimpse into gorilla cognition.
Lastly, a serious concern with western lowland gorillas is their link to zoonotic diseases. Scientists believe them to be one of the sources of HIV/AIDS transmission. This is attributed to the Simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) in gorillas, which surprisingly resembles a strain present in HIV-1.
Cross River Gorillas live in the border zone between Nigeria and Cameroon. The habitat is broadleaf forests with altitudes ranging from 328 feet to 6,683 feet.
In physical attributes, it bears shorter skulls, smaller cranial vaults, and smaller palates than the previous type of gorilla subspecies. However, size and limb length match closely. One distinctive aspect of Cross River gorillas is their shorter hands and larger opposability index.
In general, wild gorillas are not dangerous. However, they can show aggression when disturbed. Behavioral differences emerged in a three-year study at Kagwene Mountain, Cameroon. The Cross River gorillas threw fistfuls of grass3, branches, and stones. Researchers concluded this action is a learned response to local conditions.
The nesting habits of Cross River gorillas also differ by environmental conditions. During the dry period, most nests are found on the ground, but in the wet season, they opt for tree-high nests to shield them from the rain.
They also make more day nests during the rainy season and reuse old nesting sites around 35% of the time. These patterns highlight the adaptive and intelligent characteristics of this incredible gorilla subspecies.
Eastern Lowland Gorillas, also known as Grauer's Gorillas, live in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo home, specifically two national parks and surrounding forests. It thrives in the broadest range of altitudes, from lowland tropical forests to mountainous terrains.
They are also the largest gorilla subspecies, earning the rank of the heftiest living primate. Its appearance resembles a mountain gorilla with a jet-black coat, albeit shorter on the head and body.
Despite seasonal changes, Eastern Lowland Gorillas exhibit steady nesting patterns1. However, habitats differ between adults and young, with immatures favoring tree nests, indicating vulnerability. Moreover, the absence of an alpha silverback substantively influences nesting choice, signifying the male's critical protective role.
However, our knowledge of its social patterns, history, and ecological role is currently limited. This unfortunate situation stems largely from ongoing civil unrest in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which hinders consistent research efforts. This circumstance underscores the cross-link between human-generated strife and our ability to study and protect crucial elements of biodiversity.
The Mountain Gorilla endures high altitudes within the cloud forests of three national parks, spanning across the Virunga volcanic mountains and extending its reach into one of Uganda's national parks. This species inhabits zones climbing up to 7,200 to 14,100 feet.
Unlike other types of gorillas, the Mountain Gorilla possesses thicker, longer fur designed to withstand colder climates inherent in its environment.
Despite being smaller than the Eastern Lowland Gorilla, adult male gorillas demonstrate distinctive bony crests atop and at the back of their skulls, giving them a conical appearance. These crests also anchor their powerful jaw muscles.
Starting in 1967, Dian Fossey dedicated 18 years to a detailed study of mountain gorillas. She brought new findings to light, implemented accurate counts, and introduced helpful conservation methods, like anti-poaching patrols. Her work continues through the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, protecting Virunga's mountain gorillas.
Similarities in genetic makeup to humans expose mountain gorillas to human diseases2. An immune system ill-developed against such diseases results in respiratory infections, accounting for approximately 20% of sudden deaths among these gorillas.
As per the latest International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) assessments, Gorilla conservation status exposes some alarming trends. Three of four sub-species of gorillas have been declared critically endangered with declining gorilla populations.
In 2013, Western Lowland Gorillas numbered 361,919, which is currently shrinking by roughly 2.7% annually. By estimates, this downward trend could result in over an 80% population decline across just three generations.
Cross River gorillas, known to us since the early 20th century, only received notable attention in the late '80s. Now, merely 100-250 mature individuals remain in the wild.
Grauer's Gorillas, valued at just 3,800, have suffered a drastic 77% population decrease since 1994.
Mountain Gorillas are not entirely clear despite their reclassification from critically endangered to endangered species5. While recent counts estimate at least 1,004 individuals, legal and illegal human intrusion into their habitats could threaten them again.
Regardless of the varied threat levels, all gorilla subspecies face common dangers. A relentless onslaught of habitat destruction, hunting, and diseases such as the ebola virus poses significant risks. In response, conservation efforts have been deployed to counteract these threats.
The Western Lowland Gorilla is the nominate subspecies of the Western Gorillas found in Cameroon and other parts of Central Africa. It is also the smallest of the four subspecies.
This type of gorilla has black skin and coarse black hair except for the bare face, ears, hands, and feet. Notably, Snowflake, the unique albino gorilla from Equatorial Guinea, hailed from this species. Taken as a youngster to the Barcelona Zoo in 1966, Snowflake's pale form intrigued the world.
Contrary to previous beliefs that gorillas were non-territorial, studies have shown that their neighbors' locations influence their movements. They demonstrate a preference against feeding in areas visited by another group the same day, indicating a more nuanced territorial behavior4.
Interestingly, Western Lowland Gorillas show signs of tool use. A recorded instance in 2009 reveals a gorilla using a stick to gauge water depth while another used a bucket to collect water at Buffalo Zoological Gardens. This display of spontaneous tool utilization for drinking, particularly among younger females, provides a unique glimpse into gorilla cognition.
Lastly, a serious concern with western lowland gorillas is their link to zoonotic diseases. Scientists believe them to be one of the sources of HIV/AIDS transmission. This is attributed to the Simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) in gorillas, which surprisingly resembles a strain present in HIV-1.
Despite their massive size, gorillas are peaceful, shy, and reserved. The genus gorilla comprises both the eastern and western gorilla species. Unfortunately, both are critically endangered species due to habitat loss, poaching, and disease.
This orchid is unique because it spends its entire life underground, except for its flowers. Found in Western Australia, it's rare due to its specific habitat needs. It's a fascinating example of nature's adaptability.
The Northwestern Crow stands around 17 inches tall, slightly smaller than the common crow. This type of crow nests primarily along the coasts of the northeastern Pacific Ocean, predominantly in forested areas near rivers.
Interestingly, the diet of this coastal crow differs slightly from that of its relatives. Aside from the typical crow menu, it forages along the shoreline to feed on clams, crustaceans, and sea urchins, employing different tactics to open them up.
The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake is a rattlesnake living in the arid landscapes of the Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico. It is known for its diamond-shaped patterns and robust size, reaching up to 4 feet.
This type of rattlesnake earns its "coon tail" nickname due to its distinct tail pattern. The black and white banding resembles a raccoon's tail, hence the moniker.
The snake possesses a hemotoxic venom but uses it only when necessary. It is defensive and warns with its rattles before striking.
The snake is more active during cooler hours and feeds on small mammals, birds, lizards, and other snakes.
The Northwestern Neotropical Rattlesnake lives in Southwestern Mexico, with some staying at Sierra de Coalcomán, reaching elevations up to 6,500 feet. It has a unique skin coloration and can grow around 3.2 feet in length.
This type of rattlesnake is terrestrial and diurnal, feeding on rodents, birds, and lizards.
Crotalus culminatus syn. Crotalus durissus culminatus at the San Diego Zoo, California, USA
The Western Gray Squirrel boasts a striking silvery-gray coat and unique white belly. These squirrels live in mature forests along the western coastal areas of the United States, including California, Oregon, and Washington.
They eat seeds, nuts, acorns, pine cones, and the occasional fruit, berry, insect, or bird egg. Moreover, they bury food for later use, contributing to the health and growth of their forest homes.
During their mating season from late winter to early spring, young Western Gray Squirrels are born, symbolizing the renewal of life in the spring.
These squirrels have also adapted to the Sierra Nevada mountains. They prefer mature forests with ample shelter and food sources.
With the same word repeated thrice, its scientific name is effortlessly funny. Western lowland gorillas have lighter coats than other gorilla species. They have the widest range, covering over 700,000 square kilometers of lush rainforests across Central Africa.
Western lowland gorillas are umbrella species that protect other species around them. Unfortunately, logging and poaching threaten their existence.
The Western Lowland Gorilla is the nominate subspecies of the Western Gorillas found in Cameroon and other parts of Central Africa. It is also the smallest of the four subspecies.
This type of gorilla has black skin and coarse black hair except for the bare face, ears, hands, and feet. Notably, Snowflake, the unique albino gorilla from Equatorial Guinea, hailed from this species. Taken as a youngster to the Barcelona Zoo in 1966, Snowflake's pale form intrigued the world.
Contrary to previous beliefs that gorillas were non-territorial, studies have shown that their neighbors' locations influence their movements. They demonstrate a preference against feeding in areas visited by another group the same day, indicating a more nuanced territorial behavior4.
Interestingly, Western Lowland Gorillas show signs of tool use. A recorded instance in 2009 reveals a gorilla using a stick to gauge water depth while another used a bucket to collect water at Buffalo Zoological Gardens. This display of spontaneous tool utilization for drinking, particularly among younger females, provides a unique glimpse into gorilla cognition.
Lastly, a serious concern with western lowland gorillas is their link to zoonotic diseases. Scientists believe them to be one of the sources of HIV/AIDS transmission. This is attributed to the Simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) in gorillas, which surprisingly resembles a strain present in HIV-1.
The Western Chimpanzee hails from West Africa - you can spot them from Senegal to Ghana. They thrive in varied habitats, be it dry and moist lowland tropical forests or forest galleries creeping into savannah woodlands.
Their diet is as diverse as their habitat. They are omnivorous, favoring fruits and sometimes leaves or bark. Mammals and insects also enter their platter, while dietary preferences vary among communities and seasons.
Populations of these subspecies form communities of about 12 to 84 individuals. Alarmingly, Western Chimpanzees are critically endangered5, with a steep drop of 6.53% yearly from 1990 to 2014. Primary threats include habitat destruction due to human activities, bushmeat poaching, and infectious diseases.
Despite their massive size, gorillas are peaceful, shy, and reserved. The genus gorilla comprises both the eastern and western gorilla species. Unfortunately, both are critically endangered species due to habitat loss, poaching, and disease.
Agkistrodon piscivorus leucostoma, commonly known as the Western Cottonmouth or Water moccasin, is thick-bodied like others on this list, but maintains complexions of saw-like edges and bands difficult to see with the naked eye. These snakes are visible with their lighter cream pinstripes, big white mouths, and elliptical pupils, and do stand out with massive triangular heads that make it easy to confuse with Floridian species or other dark-colored snakes near bodies of water.
