Gorilla self protection

We must work twice as hard to safeguard gorillas since they are one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. The leopard is the only predator that feeds on gorillas. In the Virunga Volcanoes, Walter Baumgärtel discovered the bones of multiple gorillas that had been mauled by leopards. There is also confirmation of another case in Gabon, where a leopard killed a sick young gorilla.

Lowland gorillas may be under danger from crocodiles. Gorillas have been the victims of snares and traps constructed for antelope and other animals in eastern Africa, but they are mostly hunted for meat in western Africa or as a form of vengeance for crop raiding. In their attempts to capture baby gorillas for zoos, poachers have also destroyed entire family groupings; others are slain so that their hands and skulls can be sold as trophies.

How are gorillas able to protect themselves?

Male silverback gorillas, who are the leaders of the group, release a strong odor and make distinctive noises when they sense danger. The other animals congregate around the male and give each other hugs. One of the responsibilities of adult males is to stand between the group and the assailant in order to defend the group against attacks. It is often younger men that do this work. They simultaneously drive the group away from the area of danger and launch an attack on the adversary.

Furthermore, the gorillas try to scare the predators away by using weapons like sharp sticks and stones. Given that they can sharpen sticks to use as a weapon in battle, the gorillas must be highly intelligent.

Gorillas continue to have severe issues with humans despite having no natural predators because they are killed for meat in some parts of central Africa. Gorillas occasionally stumble into traps set by hunters hoping to catch antelopes and bush pigs, among other animals.

Because gorillas and humans share a DNA, hunters have the potential to wipe out entire gorilla groups in order to catch the young ones for zoos and even research institutes interested in studying the effects of various substances on gorillas.

The likelihood is that a gorilla will not assault you if you come into contact with one. Numerous African residents have firsthand accounts of encountering them. They won’t feel threatened by your lack of movement if you remain motionless. Additionally, it’s never a good idea to look a gorilla in the eye. They can interpret this as an act of hostility on your side.