Gorillas are one of the primates that are genetically closest to the human species, an aspect that has been of great interest to science, especially to genetics and evolution. These hominids inhabit dense jungle areas in Africa, but currently the two extant species, the western gorilla (Gorilla gorilla) and the eastern gorilla (Gorilla beringei), are critically endangered.
Hence the importance of the birth of each new offspring. In this article on our site we offer you information on the reproduction of these animals. We invite you to continue reading to find out how gorillas reproduce and are born.
How do gorillas mate?
Gorillas are characterized by their polygynous behavior, which means that they are not monogamous On the contrary, the male that manages to become The leader, commonly known as the silverback, has the exclusivity of mating with all the females that make up the family group. This male will show his strength and skills against the rest of the males, which is attractive to females, in the sense of guaranteeing the genetic inheritance of their offspring.
These animals, like humans, do not have a fixed reproductive season in the year, so copulation can occur at any time Females have an estrous cycle of 28 days. Externally there is no visible menstrual flow and they are only receptive during the oestrus period On the other hand, the mating behavior is usually initiated by the females , with a series of slow approaches.
In general, the male responds to this contact, but if he does not do so immediately, the female may intensify her courtship, hitting the ground a few times and even caressing him. The males can also have courtship behaviors and be the ones who show their willingness to the females.
As a curiosity, gorillas are capable of copulating face to face, a behavior restricted to humans and very few animals.
How are gorillas born?
Once the female becomes pregnant, gestation lasts between 8, 5-9 months, depending on the type of gorilla. Usually, the eastern gorilla will be in the first range and the western gorilla in the second. After a pregnancy, the female will not reproduce for at least three years. Having a slow reproductive rate, coupled with the shyness of these animals, which avoid contact with humans in their natural habitat, makes it difficult to study this process.
Gorilla labor is usually quick, however it can eventually become quite complicated and take more than a day. The female, in general, shows a behavior of withdrawing from the group when the process begins and it is common for the birth to occur in at night or early in the morning, although the accompaniment of a member of the family group offers peace of mind to the mother and, above all, a sense of security for the calf.
How many children does a gorilla have?
In gorillas, it is usual for one calf to be born at each birth, although, in exceptional cases, they may have twins. In this aspect and in the immaturity with which the young are born, they are also similar to humans. Despite a gestation period of about a year, the young are born in a rather immature state, making them highly dependent on their mothers. Without proper care, they can easily die.
A baby gorilla weighs between 1, 3-3 kilos at birth, a fairly low weight compared to what these animals achieve when they are adults. Unfortunately, there is a mortality rate in newborn gorillas of around 20%. Added to its slow reproductive process, it is another factor that limits the population recovery of these species.
How is the breeding of gorillas?
Caring for a newborn gorilla is mainly taken care of by its mother, on whom she is completely dependent. During the first months she she will carry him on her belly, which leads her to move supported only by three extremities, since with one of the upper ones she will support the baby pressed against her body. Between the first or second month, the little gorilla will be able to hold on to its mother's hair for a while.
From that age, and until approximately one year old, the way to move it will be alternating between the belly and the back. After a year, for short journeys, the calf will move on its own following its mother. In gorillas, the mother–calf interaction is essential for the development and socialization of the new member of the group. Even after a year is up, gorillas stay within visual range of their mothers, who are very cautious of any danger. As they grow, the contact decreases.
Already at approximately two months, these little ones start playing games with their mothers and, around four, with other members of the group, always under maternal supervision. At two years old they already interact more independently with their relatives, especially with their siblings or with gorillas of similar ages, and also with the silverback male, whom they begin to approach and with whom they even play some games.
Male males ferociously defend both females and young from any danger, such as another male trying to take control of the group. Generally, if this happens, the new leader kills the smaller ones to have his own offspring with the females he now leads.
The social interaction in gorillas is essential for their development. When gorillas lose their mothers or are raised in captivity, surviving becomes more complicated and, furthermore, certain differences are seen in development due to the lack of learning that requires maternal contact.
