According to current genetic research, there are four types of gorillas. On one hand, there is the eastern gorilla (Gorilla beringei), which has two subspecies: the mountain gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei) and the eastern lowland gorilla (Gorilla beringei graueri); on the other hand, there is the western gorilla (Gorilla gorilla), which also has two other subspecies: the western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) and the Cross River gorilla (Gorilla gorilla diehli).
Gorillas are the largest living primates. They are social animals with strong social structures. They primarily feed on leaves and fruits and inhabit different regions of the African continent. These majestic creatures are renowned for their intelligence and tool-using abilities. Furthermore, they share up to 98% of their DNA with humans, making them one of our closest living relatives.
Table of contents
How many species of orangutans are there in the world?
Eastern gorilla and its two subspecies
Western gorillas and their two major subspecies
The current state of orangutan conservation
Conclusion
1. How many species of orangutans are there in the world?
According to the latest genetic research, there are currently only two species of gorillas in the world: the orangutan (Gorilla beringei) and the western orangutan (Gorilla gorilla), each of which is further subdivided into two major subspecies, totaling four species. The number of wild mountain gorillas is less than 1,000, and the number of Cross river gorillas is only about 300, both of which are highly endangered.
2. Eastern gorilla
Its scientific name is *Gorilla beringei*, and it is the largest primate in the world. It mainly inhabits the dense mountain forests of eastern Congo, northwestern Rwanda, and southwestern Uganda. Its diet consists primarily of leaves, fruits, stems, flowers, and bark, but it also eats insects.
Mountain gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei)
It is mainly distributed in the Virunga Mountains (spanning Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo) and the Buendí Forest in Uganda. Its fur is thicker and darker, allowing it to tolerate high altitudes and low temperatures. Due to poaching, habitat loss, and disease threats, it is critically endangered.The Eastern Lowland Gorilla (Gorilla beringei graueri) is found only in the Albertin Rift Valley region of eastern Congo and is one of the world's 25 most endangered primate species. It is more robust and has a stronger bite than the Western Lowland Gorilla.
3. Western gorilla
Its scientific name is *Gorilla gorilla*, and it is widely distributed in the lowland rainforests of West Africa. It lives in family groups, dominated by the silverback male, and the group structure is tight.
Western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla)
The largest population, distributed in Gabon, Cameroon, Congo (Brazzaville), Equatorial Guinea, Central African Republic, and other regions. They have lighter fur and are slightly smaller than their eastern counterparts.Cross River Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla diehli)
It is the rarest species, found only in the Cross River basin bordering Nigeria and Cameroon, and its population is extremely scattered and endangered.
Western gorillas also face multiple threats, including poaching, deforestation, disease, and climate change.
4. Current Status of Orangutan Conservation
Orangutan conservation has become a global focus, with key measures including:
Strengthen the protection of nature reserves and habitats
Strictly crack down on poaching and illegal trade
Monitoring wild populations
Artificial breeding and release projects
Promoting ecotourism and empowering local communities
Only through global cooperation can orangutans continue to exist as an important part of the African ecosystem.
5. Conclusion
Orangutans, as one of humans' closest primate relatives, are not only a miracle of nature but also a testament to humanity's commitment to protecting nature and respecting life. We hope more people will pay attention to the survival of wild orangutans and work together to safeguard the biodiversity of our planet.
