Two Types Of Gorillas And Species: All You Need To Know

Gorillas are some of the most powerful and enigmatic creatures on our planet. But the truth is that many aspects of their existence remain shrouded in mystery. 

As one of the world’s largest primates, these gentle giants command the forests of Africa with an almost human-like presence. Their social structures, behaviors, and intelligence mirror our own in uncanny ways, reminding us of the shared thread of evolution. 

In this article, we'll answer how many types of gorillas there are—each unique in their habits and habitats, yet facing common challenges that threaten their future. By learning more about these great apes, we’ll broaden our understanding of the natural world and why it's crucial to protect the delicate balance of their existence.

How Many Gorilla Species Are There?

There are two main types of gorillas that roam the planet: Eastern and Western gorillas. Each species of gorilla comes with its own set of subspecies and unique charms. 

The Eastern gorillas are the heavyweights, earning the title of the largest gorilla species. Meanwhile, the Western family is slightly smaller than their Eastern counterparts, but every bit as impressive. 

While the Eastern ones strut through the cooler mountain forests of East Africa, the Western gorillas have made the warmer rainforests and swampy lowlands of West and Central Africa their home. 

These different types of gorillas aren't just separated by zip codes. They've got their own diets, favorite hangouts, and ways of hanging out with their gorilla pals. In the next two sections, we’ll dive further into the specifics of these two types of gorillas.

Eastern Gorilla: The Largest Gorilla Species

The Eastern Gorilla, again, is the titleholder for the largest gorilla species. These grand creatures prefer the high-altitude embrace of mountainous forests, where the air is cooler and the foliage dense. 

Eastern Gorillas split into two subspecies: the Mountain Gorilla and the Eastern Lowland Gorilla. Each adapts to their unique montane and submontane ecosystems.

For adventure seekers and wildlife enthusiasts, witnessing these magnificent beasts is the highlight of a jungle safari in the misty mountains of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Observing them in their natural habitat offers a peek into their world, where social ties are the fabric of daily life. 

Eastern Gorillas live in close-knit families led by a silverback. This is a mature male whose leadership is as much about gentle guidance as it is about brute strength.

Their days are rhythmed by foraging, grooming, and occasional display bouts, which underscore their social interactions and complex emotional landscape. Despite their imposing size, these types of gorillas lead a predominantly herbivorous and peaceful existence, which illustrates an enviable balance between power and serenity in the animal kingdom.

Western Gorilla: The Strongest Gorilla Species

The Western species stands out with its two distinct subtypes of gorillas: the Western Lowland and the Cross River. These subspecies have carved their niches in a variety of landscapes, from the swampy lowlands to the dense, tropical forests. 

Western Lowland Gorillas are the more numerous of the two subtypes. They’re somewhat smaller than their Eastern cousins, yet they exhibit remarkable strength—often considered the strongest gorilla species. 

In contrast, the Cross River Gorillas are elusive. These types of gorillas typically reside in a tiny area on the border between Nigeria and Cameroon, making sightings a rare treat.

Within the mosaic of their habitats, Western Gorillas demonstrate varied diets and behaviors, which is a testament to their flexibility and intelligence. And if you ever get the chance to observe these species of gorilla in their environment, you’ll obtain crucial insights into their survival strategies in the wild. 

Conserving Gorilla Species In Style

As we've journeyed through the fascinating world of gorilla species, it's clear that these majestic creatures are not just a wonder to behold but pivotal to the biodiversity of our earth. This reverence for wildlife is where our mission at Fahlo intersects with the need for conservation.

At Fahlo, our passion for wildlife conservation is woven into each animal tracking bracelet we design. For example, our Traverse Bracelet serves as more than just a stylish accessory. It connects you with a real-life gorilla you can track in the wildfollow.

By wearing Fahlo bracelets, you're not only embracing a piece of nature but also contributing to safeguarding the habitats of these magnificent creatures. With every bracelet sold, we support conservation efforts, ensuring that the echoes of gorillas' calls continue to resonate in the wild.

Join our cause. Get a Fahlo animal tracking bracelet as a symbol of support, and help us write a future where different types of gorillas thrive in harmony with humans.