02/01/2022
Why do some gorillas have silver backs?
Some gorillas have a patch of white hair on their backs. They are called the silverback gorillas. What does this anatomical distinction mean?
The gorilla, one of our very close cousins, is the largest of the primates. This animal, feeding exclusively on plants, is physically very impressive and possesses colossal strength. Living in groups in some forests in Africa, gorillas are unfortunately one of many endangered animal species. With a thick black coat over most of the body, the gorilla sometimes presents a very distinct feature: the presence of gray-white hairs on a large part of its back. This characteristic actually concerns only male individuals. Indeed, when male gorillas reach sexual maturity (around the age of 15), the coat on their back gradually takes on a gray or even white tint. They are then called silverback gorillas.
The silverback gorilla watches over its family
Contrary to popular belief, the silverback gorilla is not a species in its own right. Rather, it is a "status" of particular individuals within a group of gorillas. Gorillas live in social groups made up of an average of ten individuals. These groups are made up of a majority of females and young, flanked by a single silverback male. The latter, protecting his females and offspring, controls the movements of the group and ensures its safety. If a female dies leaving an orphan behind, the silverback male takes him under his wing and protects him. The silverback gorilla behaves like a benevolent patriarch, protecting his group from dangers and keeping them together.
Silverback gorillas: conflicts
Sometimes conflicts erupt between two silverback males vying for power. When a young male reaches sexual maturity, he in turn becomes a "silverback" and leaves his native group in order to form another in which he will become the protector. He then becomes a threat to the existing family groups of which he wants to take the reins. Violent brawls can then break out between the rival males, potentially resulting in the death of either. The gorilla is however described by Dian Fossey, eminent specialist and protector of gorillas, as a little aggressive animal, avoiding as much as possible altercations. Most of the time, the provoked patriarch will be content to intimidate his opponent by slapping his chest, growling or uttering screams.
Gorilla Trekking can be done in Uganda (having the World's largest gorilla population), Rwanda and DR Congo.
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