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The silverback gorilla, also known by the name mountain gorilla or by its scientific name of Gorilla beringei beringei, was discovered in 1902. Only about 650 silverback gorillas are left in the world. Male silverback gorillas are the leaders of gorilla groups; they are in charge of carrying out a wide range of duties vital for maintaining order and social structure. Such duties can make the gorilla's life more tense and dangerous, but it also reaps some benefits as well.
Mature male gorillas are called silverbacks because of the silver-gray hair that grows on their backs and shoulders when they reach adulthood, between ages 10 and 12 years. Gorillas are the largest living primates. They live in groups of around 10 individuals--although sometimes as many as 40 animals--led by a dominant silverback. Three species of gorillas are found in central Africa: Eastern lowland, Western lowland and mountain. All are endangered or critically endangered.
Silverback gorillas are the mature male leaders of gorilla groups in the wild. They carry out a wide range of actions that are essential for maintaining structure and order within the group. These responsibilities can make the life of a silverback gorilla more volatile and dangerous, but there are certainly benefits and privileges that also accompany the title.
Gorillas are one of the most endangered species in the world today. Human actions have placed the largest of the apes in danger of extinction. With no natural predators, it's up to humans to take the initiative and work to save endangered gorillas in the wild.
