Gorillas share approximately 98.3% of their DNA with humans ??? making them, along with chimpanzees, our closest living relatives. Yet these magnificent primates remain among the most endangered animals on Earth.

Mountain and Lowland Gorillas

There are two species of gorillas: the Eastern gorilla and the Western gorilla, each divided into two subspecies. The critically endangered mountain gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei) lives in the high-altitude forests of the Virunga mountains, straddling Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Their numbers have recovered from fewer than 700 individuals two decades ago to over 1,000 today ??? a conservation triumph.

Social Structure

Gorillas live in stable groups called troops, led by a dominant silverback male. Silverbacks are named for the distinctive silver-gray hair that develops on their backs as they mature. These powerful leaders make decisions for the group, mediate conflicts, and protect the troop from threats.

Threats and Conservation

Gorillas face severe threats from habitat destruction, poaching for bushmeat, and disease. Conservation organizations work closely with local communities, establishing community-based wildlife protection zones and eco-tourism programs that provide economic incentives for conservation.