Adopt a Gorilla
E-cards
Conservation Firsthand
Travel
SUPPORT WWF
Western Lowland Gorilla
First came the timber companies. Then the hunters.
Common Name: Western lowland gorilla; Gorille occidental de plaine (Fr); Gorila (Sp)
Scientific Name: Gorilla gorilla gorilla
Habitat: Tropical and Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests
Location: Central Africa
Population: Possibly 100,000 individuals
Background
© WWF-Canon / Martin HARVEY
Found in the vast lowland forests of central Africa, the western lowland gorilla is by far the most widespread and numerous of all gorillas. However, this subspecies of western gorilla is coming under threat as timber companies move into the region. And as forests are opened up by the timber companies, hunters move in. The commercial trade in bushmeat is now an added threat to these gorillas and other forest fauna. Ebola hemorrhagic fever has also emerged as a new threat.
Physical Description
The western lowland gorilla has a brownish-grey coat with a red or auburn crest. Mature males have a silvery white saddle extending from the back to the rump and thighs. In this subspecies, the brow ridge is more pronounced, and ears appear small in relation to the heads. Compared to other gorilla subspecies, the western lowland gorilla also has a wider skull.
The gorilla is an impressive animal, identified by a stocky body, large hands and a short muzzle. Unusually, the gorilla's thumbs are larger than the fingers. The face, ears, hands, and feet are bare, and the chest in old males lacks hair.
Size
The gorilla can reach a height of 1.25-1.75 meters when standing on two feet. Weight is 70-140 kg in females and 135-275 kg in males.
Colour
The hair of western lowland gorillas is short, and of grayish or brownish colour. The male has a patch of whitish hair that extends onto the thighs, grading into the black body color.
Habitat
Major habitat type
Tropical and Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests
Biogeographic realm
Afrotropical
Range States
Nigeria, Cameroon, Central African Republic (CAR), Guinea, Gabon, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaïre), Angola
Geographical Location
Central Africa
Ecological Region
Congolian Coastal Forests, Western Congo Basin Moist Forests
Danger Watch
A species relative risk of extinction, as determined by the IUCN - The World Conservation Union. More
-
Extinct
No reasonable doubt that the last individual has died.
-
Extinct in the Wild
Known only to survive in cultivation, in captivity or as a naturalized population.
-
Critically Endangered
Facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.
-
Endangered
Facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.
-
Vulnerable
Facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.
-
Near Threatened
Likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future.
-
Least Concern
Does not qualify for Critically Endangered, Endagnered, Vulnerable or Near Threatened
Related Information
WWF Experts
Dr. Richard Carroll
Managing Director
Congo Basin
"My 50-year goal is to see happy communities where poaching and unsustainable logging are eliminated and elephants can live a full life."
Wave Forward
-- Hear from WWF marine experts on our ocean blog-- Discover Your Inner Fish
-- Want to buy sustainable fish for dinner? Learn what to look for.
Take Action
Take action through WWF's Conservation Action Network, where you can speak out for wildlife and wild places around the globe.
Read more
Free T-Shirt With Donation
Make a gift to help protect the future of nature today and we'll send you a free "Hotter than I should be" t-shirt that you can proudly wear to demonstrate your support of WWF.