The Grauer’s … There were nearly 17,000 eastern lowland gorillas in the mid-1990s but scientists estimate that the population has declined by more than 50% since then. During the last civil war in the DRC, parts of Kahuzi-Biega National Park were taken over by rebels. Important populations of this gorilla live in the Kahuzi-Biega and Maiko National Parks and their adjacent forests, the Tayna Gorilla Reserve, the Usala forest and on the Itombwe Massif. Young eastern lowland gorilla (Gorilla beringei graueri). WWF treats priority species as one of the most ecologically, economically and/or culturally important species on our planet. In 1994 there were almost 17,000 Eastern lowland gorillas in the wild, but over the course of just 21 years, they lost 77% of their population. © 2020 WWF - World Wide Fund For Nature© 1986 Panda Symbol WWF – World Wide Fund For Nature (formerly World Wildlife Fund)® “WWF” is a WWF Registered Trademark Creative Commons license. The Eastern Lowland Gorilla is the largest of the four gorilla subspecies of the Eastern Gorilla and is unique to the mountainous forest of the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Their body is covered in short, thick black fur. Humans have been able to encroach upon Kahuzi-Biega National Park to hunt gorillas and to set up illegal mines. Also known as Grauer's gorilla, the eastern lowland gorilla is the largest of the gorilla subspecies. It is distinguished from other gorillas by its stocky body, large hands and short muzzle. World Wildlife Fund Inc. is a nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization (tax ID number 52-1693387) under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The largest eastern lowland gorillas are in zoos, and they can reach more than 250 kilograms. The eastern lowland gorilla also known as gorilla Beringei Graueri is a subspecies of the eastern gorilla, this subspecies is known to be the largest of all the four gorilla species and can only be found in Kahuzi Beiga national park, Maiko national park, Itombwe massif, Tayna gorilla reserve and Usala forest in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The western lowland gorilla is the only subspecies kept in zoos with the exception of Amahoro, a female eastern lowland gorilla at Antwerp Zoo, and a few mountain gorillas kept captive in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The pressure on protected areas by militias and refugees in Eastern DRC. No reasonable doubt that the last individual has died, Known only to survive in cultivation, in captivity or as a naturalised population, Facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the Wild, Facing a high risk of extinction in the Wild, Likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future, Does not qualify for Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable, or Near Threatened. Eastern Lowland Gorillas Eastern Lowland Gorillas. Afrotropical This subspecies may now occupy only 13% of its historical range. Some scientists estimate that it has killed about one third of the wild gorilla … They eat every part of the plant, including roots, leaves, fruit, stems, flowers, bark, and even fungi (e.g. Eastern lowland Gorillas are considered to be the largest subspecies of Gorilla. Males can weigh upto 250 kilograms (551lb) and can reach two meters tall when standing. The eastern lowland gorilla is the largest of the four gorilla subspecies. In addition, military activity and the presence of heavy weaponry have contributed to unrest in the region that has made conservation efforts difficult. mushrooms). Kahuzi Biega National Park is famous as the largest refuge of the highly endangered Gorillas. The eastern lowland gorilla or graur's gorilla (Gorilla beringei graueri) is a subspecies of eastern gorilla (Gorilla beringei). Speak up for species and places through WWF's Action Center. The eastern lowland gorilla makes its home in lowland tropical rainforests in the eastern DRC. Eastern Lowland Gorillas are more robust in appearance than the Western Lowland Gorillas, having longer teeth, a stronger jaw and a broader body. Family life – Gorilla Groups. Unusually, the gorilla's thumbs are larger than the fingers. As such, we are working to ensure all great apes can live and thrive in their natural habitats. Like the Western species of gorilla, the Eastern Lowland Gorillas walk on all fours, however, they use the knuckles on their hands instead of their palms. Females typically weigh 90–125kg and are 20cm shorter. Eastern lowland gorillas are omnivores, enjoying both a plant-based and an insect-based diet. Scientists estimate that the population of eastern lowland gorillas has declined by more than 50% since the 1990s when their population numbered 17,000. The eastern lowland gorilla or Grauer’s gorilla (Gorilla beringei graueri) is a subspecies of eastern gorilla endemic to the mountainous forests of eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Central Africa Gorrila territory affected by war, mining and logging. We use cookies to analyse how visitors use our website and to help us provide the best possible experience for users. Years of civil unrest in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have taken their toll on both the eastern lowland gorilla and the mountain gorilla. Eastern lowland gorillas are sociable and peaceful animals that feast on fruits, stems and bark, and small insects. As humans have moved from high-density regions in the East into the gorilla’s territory, they have destroyed and fragmented much of the animal’s forest habitat to make room for farming and livestock. Aside from their size, males are also distinguished from females by a silver saddle on the… This impressive animal is identified by a stocky body, large hands and a short muzzle. Eastern Lowland Gorillas are one of the species of the gorilla beringei beringei and are special attractions that can be trekked mostly in central Africa. The eastern lowland gorillas are the largest of the world’s three subspecies. 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