The different subspecies of gorillas live in different parts of western Africa. Subspecies G. g. gorilla, the western lowland gorilla, is found at low altitudes in Cameroon, Central African Republic, Gabon, Congo, and Equatorial Guinea. Subspecies G. g. graueri,the eastern lowland gorilla, is found in eastern Zaire.
Mountain gorillas live in the misty mountain forests of hte Virunga Massif and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in central Africa. They have longer, thicker fur than other gorilla subspecies, enabling them to live in colder temperatures. Adult males can weigh up to 200kg (31st 9lb), and are roughly twice the size of adult females. When they reach maturity (at around 12 or 13 years old), males develop the characteristic silver fur on their back that gives them the name ‘silverback’.
