Silverback Gorilla

Discover the fascinating world of the Silverback Gorilla – an adult male Mountain Gorilla. All you need to discover about the Silverback Gorilla: Power, Height, Lifespan, Dimensions.

Adult male mountain gorillas are known as “silverbacks.” The hair on the backs of male mountain gorillas transforms into a grayish or silver hue as they grow older. The striking color and impressive size of silverback gorillas make them a captivating sight during a gorilla hike in Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo. The group of silverback gorillas is typically guided by the most powerful and commanding silverback in the family. Consequently, it’s common to witness young silverbacks challenging the group’s leader in their quest for dominance within the family; this is one of the captivating experiences you may encounter on your gorilla trekking adventure.

The Silverback Gorilla stands as the dominant figure among mountain Gorilla families in the African national parks, including Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is situated in the southwestern region of Uganda, alongside Mgahinga National Park. The journey to the park headquarters spans about 530 km and typically takes between 7 to 9 hours by car.

The Silverback Gorilla is an adult mountain gorilla distinguished by its thick grey fur on the back. Its shaggy black coat provides warmth during chilly weather. This impressive creature leads a family group of 15 to 20 members, which includes females, males, and young ones. Throughout the day, it roams, forages, and takes time to rest. Mountain Gorillas roam from one location to another, crafting fresh nests each evening; they create these cozy havens on tree branches using grass.

Mountain Gorillas are characterized by their striking black fur, robust broad chests, powerful long arms, and large hands and feet.

The Gorillas possess arms that extend longer than their legs. Gorillas thrive in dynamic groups called gorilla families, always led by a formidable silverback at the helm. The Silverback stands tall, a fierce guardian, warding off threats with powerful displays—rising on its hind legs, thumping its chest, tossing aside foliage, stomping its feet, and striking its palm in a show of strength.

Silverback Gorillas stand six feet tall, comparable to the height of an adult male, while females reach about five feet tall.

Silverback Gorillas tip the scales at around 350 pounds, which is double the weight of an adult man. These magnificent mountain Gorillas are herbivores, thriving solely on a plant-based diet, and they dedicate much of their time to munching on bamboo and leafy greens.

Silverback Gorillas were recognized in 1902, yet their habitat continues to be ravaged by humans who clear the land for farming and cut down trees for fuel. Mountain Gorillas occasionally fall victim to poachers and can become ensnared in traps intended for other wildlife.

The size and weight of a Silverback Gorilla

Silverback gorillas usually weigh between 135 and 195 kilograms (300 to 430 pounds) and stand at a height of 1.5 to 1.8 meters (4 feet 11 inches to 5 feet 11 inches), with an impressive arm span of 2.3 to 2.6 meters.

What is the strength of a silverback gorilla when compared to a human or an adult man?

A typical silverback gorilla possesses strength that can exceed that of an adult male by seven to 18 times. Thus, a grown man stands no chance in a wrestling match against a wild silverback gorilla, which has an innate ability to engage in combat with other silverbacks in its quest for supremacy.

What prompts a silverback to charge?

Typically, hibernating silverback gorillas unleash their power, thumping their chests and roaring with intensity. This might unfold like a dramatic scene, a bold move to instill a sense of caution, or perhaps a signal that something extraordinary is afoot. It could also just be the beginning of an intriguing meeting. As the silverback gorillas engage in this behavior, the nearby adult females, youngsters, and babies huddle closely together, their bellies pressed to the ground, with their feet and hands tucked beneath their bodies. This act showcases their submission to the mighty silverback.