Gorilla.

Gorilla. Class Mammalia Order Primates Family Pongidae Genus Gorilla Species gorilla (western) beringei (eastern) Names mature male: silverback immature male: blackback group: troop or band Conservation Endangered due to hunting and habitat destruction Concerns Range Throughout Africa Habitat Rain forests, mountainous forests, and bamboo forests. Size Height: Males reach 1.8 m (6 ft) in height; females are about 1.5 m (5 ft) tall. Weight: Males weigh 140 to 180 kg (310 to 400 lb); females weigh about 90 kg (200 lb). Feeding Habits Gorillas are herbivores; they eat fruits, and the leaves, roots, and stems of many plants. Nearly half of a gorilla's day is spent eating. Offspring Females give birth to one baby (occasionally twins) after a gestation period of about 8.5 to 9 months. Life Span About 45 years in captivity; 35 years in the wild. Did You Know Fights between gorillas are rare and are usually resolved through threatening gestures. Gorillas build a new sleeping nest every night. Gorilla young develop physical skills twice as fast as human babies. Gorillas produce 15 recognizable sounds that have specific meanings. Microsoft ® Encarta ® 2009. © 1993-2008 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.