Interesting Facts About A Silverback Gorilla-Strength, Life Span, Location
What is a Silverback Gorilla?
A silverback gorilla is an adult male identifiable by the silver coat on his backs which appears at around 15 years of age. A Silverback Gorilla is famed for displays of aggression and dominance including whooping, charging, chest beating, tree slapping, and less commonly physical duels. A Silverback heads the family with several females (usually related) and young ones.
Here’s Everything you Need to Know about a Silverback Gorilla
How Strong is Silverback Gorilla?
A Silverback gorilla is incredibly strong and possess immense physical power. As the dominant male of its gorilla group, he is the largest and most powerful individual within his community. An adult silverback gorilla typically weighs between 300 to 400 pounds (136 to 181 kilograms) and his muscular body is built for both mobility and strength.
The strength of a silverback gorilla is awe-inspiring and he is capable of exerting tremendous force, estimated to be around 10 times stronger than an average human. The sheer power of a Silverback Gorilla enables him to perform extraordinary feats such as effortlessly bending and breaking branches, uprooting small trees and even tearing through thick foliage. These impressive displays of strength are often used to establish dominance, defend his group or attract mates.
In addition to his physical strength, a silverback Gorilla also possess exceptional agility and coordination. His well-developed muscles and robust skeletal structure enable him to climb trees, swing from branches and move swiftly across challenging terrains with remarkable ease.
Is a Silverback Gorilla Aggressive?
Despite his formidable strength, a silverback gorilla is primarily peaceful and non-aggressive creature using his power more for displays and posturing rather than engaging in physical altercations. His strength serves as a symbol of authority and is crucial for survival and social dynamics within his gorilla communities.
What is the Lifespan of Silverbacks in the Wild & Captivity?
A Silverback gorilla can live in the wild for 35 to 40 years. In captivity, they can stay up to 50 years, but should be noted that mountain gorillas live only in the natural habitat.
Why does a Silverback Gorilla charge?
Normally, a hibernating silverback gorilla charges pounding his chest and howling. This could be a sort of play, an attempt to intimidate or merely to warn the group that there is something unique going on or it could simply be the start of an encounter. When the silverback gorilla does this, the nearby adult females, youngsters and babies cuddle together their bellies to the ground and their feet and hands wrapped beneath their bodies. This is done to demonstrate their surrender to the silverback.
How Safe is Silverback Gorilla Trekking?
Silverback gorilla tours are safe and secure –for years, Uganda and Rwanda have proven to be the leading gorilla safari destinations. During the trek to see silverbacks, guests are led by an experienced armed park guide.
How Long Can Silverback Gorilla Tour Take?
In a single day, only one gorilla trek is done across the 4 mountain gorilla parks. A normal trek starts early morning at around 8:00 am and runs for 2 to 6 hours which includes one hour of up close and personal with gorillas.
What does a Silverback Gorillas eat?
A Silverback gorilla Silverback gorilla in general eats mainly plants. These can consist of fruits, shoots and leaves depending on the season (rainy or dry). He also loves termites, ants and certain insects. A Mountain gorilla silverback diet is slightly different as it consists of mainly stems and leaves. He may also feed on fungi, flowers and bark. In general mountain gorillas live a life of plenty because they are exposed to a greater variety of vegetation than the other gorilla sub-species.
How to see a Silverback Gorilla in Africa?
For you to see a silverback gorilla in the wild, you have to prepare to visit Africa and many tour companies including Engabi Tours and Travel offer amazing tours to visit Silverback gorillas in their natural habitat. You must be prepared to acquire a gorilla permit and also plan for other costs of gorilla trekking like transport, accommodation and meals. You might want to read about gorilla trekking for the elderly if you are a senior. The best places to see gorillas are in Bwindi National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Volcanoes National Park, Virunga National Park and Kahuzi-Biega National Park.
Where can I see a Silverback Gorilla in the Wild?
Where are silverback gorillas found? Silverback gorillas are found in the dense forests of East, Central and Western Africa. Lowland gorillas can be sighted in forests and swamps along the Congo river basin. Mountain Gorillas are mostly found in the wider Virunga conservation region and Bwindi Impenetrable forest. In general, if you want to see wild Mountain gorillas live in their natural habitat, you have to visit either Mgahinga National Park in Uganda, Bwindi National Park in Uganda, the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in Congo.
For eastern lowland gorillas, you have to visit Maiko National Park, Kahuzi-Biega National Park, Tayna Gorilla Reserve, the Itombwe Massif and the Usala forest. Western lowland gorillas are more widespread and found in Gabon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, Central African Republic, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea and Republic of the Congo.
Embark on the adventure of a lifetime and witness the majesty of silverback gorillas in their natural African habitat. Today, visitors to the rainforests of Rwanda, Uganda, and DRC can embark on unforgettable gorilla trekking tours. These multi-day journeys led by experienced local guides offer a unique opportunity to spend a precious hour observing these majestic creatures in their natural environment.
Gorilla Trekking permits are required for gorilla trekking adventures and can be obtained through reputable tour operators like Engabi Tours and Travel in Uganda or Kigali, Rwanda. While the trek can be physically demanding, the reward of witnessing these gentle giants in their lush mountain home is an experience that will stay with you forever. The Gorilla Trekking Package Costs vary depending on the country and operator, so be sure to research and book your permits well in advance.
Engabi Tours and Travel is a tested Gorilla Trekking Company based in Uganda with sales offices in Rwanda and Tanzania and we are highly recommended by our past clients on TripAdvisor. We are available to serve you and get back to you promptly! if you really can’t wait for the journey to Africa to begin, chat with us right now on WhatsApp at +256 757 341 593
Contact us to start Planning your Gorilla Trekking Tour to Uganda or Rwanda