Differences Between Lowland Gorillas in Congo and Mountain Gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda
Lowland gorillas inhabit the dense tropical rainforests of the Congo Basin, including parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). They thrive in low-altitude forests, swamps, and marshes. On the contrary, mountain gorillas live at high altitudes in the volcanic mountain ranges of Uganda, Rwanda, and DRC: they are found in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and the stretch of mountains called the Virunga Mountains that extends to Rwanda and DRC.
Mountain gorillas are generally bigger and stronger than their lowland counterparts, have longer and thicker creep, which helps them survive cold conditions in their mountain habitats, and also have shorter and finer hair as their surroundings are warmer and very humid. Mountain gorillas also have wider faces and more powerful physiques, while lowland gorillas have narrow faces and slender bodies.
These two species, like other social reptiles, live in groups headed by a dominant silverback male. However, lowland gorillas are much arboreal, spending considerable amounts of time in trees, more so where fruits are found abundantly. In contrast, mountain gorillas seem more terrestrial and forage primarily on the ground, feeding largely on bamboo, leaves, and roots.
Their habit is more varied and includes fruits, seeds, and insects due to the great resources of the Congo Basin. Almost purely herbivorous subsistence is characteristic of mountain gorillas, mainly made up of leaves, stems, barks, and wild celery. Such different forms of diet can be credited to the low fruits available at their greater altitudes.
Mountain gorillas are critically reduced, with estimates around 1,000 individuals. Several measures, including anti-poaching and ecotourism, have indeed helped stabilize numbers during recent years. Compared to this, lowland gorillas, especially its western lowland subspecies, are in larger numbers, but their numbers are threatened as sites continue to disappear and poaching intensifies.
Tourists typically flock to either Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or the Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda to see mountain gorillas. In well-organized trekking, these two places offer an easy and enjoyable trek for tourists. Tourists can also view lowland gorillas in the Odzala-Kokoua National Park
and Virunga National Park of Congo; however, many parts are not really very easily accessible for many tourists due to the logistical challenges and political instability.
Both belong to the same genus of Gorilla but not to the same species or subspecies. Mountain gorilla, Gorilla beringei beringei, is a subspecies of eastern gorilla, while lowland gorillas involve western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) and eastern lowland gorilla (Gorilla beringei graueri).
Although lowland gorillas and mountain gorillas are similar, they have certain distinguishing factors that set them apart. These include the characteristic of where they live, their physical appearance, the way they behave, and what they eat. In fact, visiting their different habitats gives you access to interesting opportunities of learning more about these primates and adding your bit to their conservation.
At East Africa Gorilla Safaris, under All In Africa Safaris, we specialize in unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences and diverse wildlife safaris.
Our expertly guided tours provide intimate encounters with gorillas and rich African wildlife, ensuring an unparalleled adventure in the heart of East Africa.
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