OVERVIEW
The western lowland gorilla is a subspecies of gorilla that is found in the Congo Basin, with populations in Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and the Republic of the Congo. They are the most numerous and widespread of all gorilla subspecies. They are distinguished from other gorillas by their slightly smaller size and rust-colored coats, as well as their wider skull and pronounced brow. Despite their large number, the western lowland gorilla's population is in rapid decline. Because of poaching by humans and diseases such as ebola, the western lowland gorilla's population has declined by 60% over the past 25 years.
DID YOU KNOW?
- Western lowland gorillas live in some of the most dense and remote rainforests in Africa, and as such, a conclusive population estimate is not possible.
- The western lowland gorilla's scientific name is Gorilla gorilla gorilla.
- The western lowland gorilla has been classified as critically endangered by the IUCN.
