Gorillas act as an “umbrella species” for their habitat, helping to protect biodiversity on a larger scale . Their forest habitat is home to numerous other species, many themselves endangered. Protecting gorillas helps protect these other vital plants, animals and insects as well.
Why are mountain gorillas important to the world?
Why mountain gorillas are so important
Gorillas, like all wild animals, play an important role in their environment . Without these large-scale grazers eating lots of vegetation, the natural balance in the food chain would be disrupted.
What role does the mountain gorilla play in its ecosystem?
Gorillas play an important role in the tropical forests in which they live. They help disperse seeds throughout the forests and create places where seedlings can grow and replenish the forest .
What happens if mountain gorillas go extinct?
If the Mountain Gorilla becomes extinct, its predators will have much less food to eat , and because it is such a large animal, each time they eat one, they become full for longer, if all crocodiles began to eat just antelopes for example, constantly, then they too would soon become extinct, because of all its other ...
How are humans helping mountain gorillas?
Donate to conservation organizations working to protect mountain gorillas. One of the most effective ways to help mountain gorillas is to donate money to organizations working on the ground to conserve the species. ... When visiting the region, do other activities in the parks in addition to gorilla trekking.
What is the lifespan of a mountain gorilla?
9. In the wild, gorillas can live to over 40 years old . Gorillas are classed as infants until they reach around three-and-a-half years old, and adults from around 8 years. Males between 8-12 years are called ‘blackbacks’.
Why do humans need gorillas?
Protecting Gorilla Habitat Helps Humans. In Central Africa, humans depend on the same environment as gorillas for their food, water, medicine, and other forest products . ... The Congo Basin is home to the second largest tropical rainforest on Earth, which serves as the green heart of Africa.
Why are gorillas so strong?
Why Are Gorillas So Strong? Gorillas have exceptional strength thanks to something known as robusticity. They have both exceptional jaw strength (because of their bamboo diet) and high ratio of muscle mass which helps in competition for mates.
What is the strongest gorilla?
The strongest gorilla species are the western lowland gorillas . They have notable differences from the eastern gorillas; they are much smaller in size, grayish or brownish in color and generally have a lighter color compared to other gorillas. ...
Who eats mountain gorillas?
What are some predators of Mountain Gorillas? Predators of Mountain Gorillas include humans and leopards .
How can we stop mountain gorillas from extinction?
- Trekking the gorillas. ...
- Creating a awareness. ...
- Avoid trekking gorillas when you’re ill. ...
- Donation. ...
- Support the local communities. ...
- Follow rules and regulations. ...
- Engage in other activities.
Are there gorillas in China?
In Asia, the animals are typically destined for public zoos and amusement parks. China is a main destination for gorillas and chimpanzees.
Why should mountain gorillas be saved?
Gorillas act as an “umbrella species” for their habitat, helping to protect biodiversity on a larger scale . Their forest habitat is home to numerous other species, many themselves endangered. Protecting gorillas helps protect these other vital plants, animals and insects as well.
What mountain gorillas eat?
Gorillas stick to a mainly vegetarian diet, feeding on stems, bamboo shoots and fruits . Western lowland gorillas, however, also have an appetite for termites and ants, and break open termite nests to eat the larvae.
Why are mountain gorillas losing their habitat?
Habitat Degradation
The rapid degradation of gorilla habitat due to mining, commercial logging, subsistence agriculture and road building activities poses a significant threat to the remaining populations of wild gorillas. ... Habitat loss is also inextricably linked to the illegal bushmeat trade.
Why are gorillas dying?
One of the main reasons gorillas are going extinct is habitat loss , forests where gorillas have lived for many years are being destroyed for agricultural use, commercial logging and many other activities this lives gorillas in hard conditions as they can hardly live else where except in their habitats.
