Most people assume that gorillas are strong and durable creatures that could withstand
anything. While gorillas are certainly strong, their survival requires a delicate balance of a safe
habitat and a healthy, natural diet. There are many different types of gorillas and each species
requires different needs based on their region. In particular, many of the gorillas in Africa are
dwindling in numbers due to threats upon their natural habitat. According to Endangered
Species International, there are roughly 100,000 Western Lowland gorillas, less than 3,000
Eastern Lowland gorillas, 720 Mountain gorillas, and only 300 Cross River gorillas. Their slim
numbers are even more precarious as their available habitat is dwindling, especially for the
Mountain …show more content…
For a while the researchers were concerned that the group would be unable to
continue on, until several females came to the group. The males turned on one another in a
battle for the position as leader of the group. There were several casualties but the group
eventually settled into a dramatic coalition. The delicate social dynamics of gorilla groups
increase their risk of extinction as only a perfect balance of males and females of different ages
will work in a successful group.
There are many factors that go into deciding which gorilla species is the most
threatened, including available habitat, current numbers, and risk factors. The Western
Lowland gorillas have the largest habitat, followed by the Eastern Lowland gorillas and the
Cross River gorillas. The Mountain gorillas have the smallest habitat and the second smallest
numbers. The Cross River gorillas have the smallest population and the second-smallest
habitat. Similarly, the Mountain gorillas and Cross River gorillas have some of the most serious
threats to their stability, including inbreeding, war, and poaching.
Though the Eastern and Western Lowland gorillas also have serious threats to
anything. While gorillas are certainly strong, their survival requires a delicate balance of a safe
habitat and a healthy, natural diet. There are many different types of gorillas and each species
requires different needs based on their region. In particular, many of the gorillas in Africa are
dwindling in numbers due to threats upon their natural habitat. According to Endangered
Species International, there are roughly 100,000 Western Lowland gorillas, less than 3,000
Eastern Lowland gorillas, 720 Mountain gorillas, and only 300 Cross River gorillas. Their slim
numbers are even more precarious as their available habitat is dwindling, especially for the
Mountain …show more content…
For a while the researchers were concerned that the group would be unable to
continue on, until several females came to the group. The males turned on one another in a
battle for the position as leader of the group. There were several casualties but the group
eventually settled into a dramatic coalition. The delicate social dynamics of gorilla groups
increase their risk of extinction as only a perfect balance of males and females of different ages
will work in a successful group.
There are many factors that go into deciding which gorilla species is the most
threatened, including available habitat, current numbers, and risk factors. The Western
Lowland gorillas have the largest habitat, followed by the Eastern Lowland gorillas and the
Cross River gorillas. The Mountain gorillas have the smallest habitat and the second smallest
numbers. The Cross River gorillas have the smallest population and the second-smallest
habitat. Similarly, the Mountain gorillas and Cross River gorillas have some of the most serious
threats to their stability, including inbreeding, war, and poaching.
Though the Eastern and Western Lowland gorillas also have serious threats to