One of the two subspecies of the Eastern Gorilla, the Mountain Gorilla is a critically endangered species of gorillas that live in parts of the African continent.

Scientific Name – Gorilla beringei beringei

Classification – Gorilla

Gender Names – Male – male; Female – female; Baby – infant

Collective Noun – Band

Length/Size – 1.5-1.8m (5-6ft)

Weight – 204-227kg (450-500lbs)

Top Speed – 40km/h (25mph)

Life Expectancy – 35-50 years; 50+ in captivity

Mating Season – No mating season

Gestation Period – 8.5 months

Special Features – All four hands are extremely agile

Social Structure – Being extremely social animals, live in groups, lead by an alpha male – the ‘silverback’ – with group size varying between 5 and 30 (average is 10)

Geographical Distribution and Natural Habitat – Two populations limited to two protected national parks, with one in the Virunga volcanic mountains of Central Africa, and the other in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park of Uganda

World Population – About 700 individuals

Conservation Status –Critically Endangered

Diet – Leaves, Seeds, Herbs

Predators – Human, Leopard