Are Mountain Gorillas independent, or do they live in groups?
Mountain gorillas, like most primates, are highly social animals. They live in family groups of varying sizes, which consist of males, females, juveniles, and infants. The leader of each group is a dominant silverback, who is much larger than the other members. All members of the group defer to the dominant silverback, who acts as a protector, and directs the group as they forage for food. By the time they are eleven, males typically leave their natal group; however, any attempt to join another established group would be viewed as threatening to that group’s males. As a result, young adult males often spend lengthy periods in isolation, until they can attract females and establish their own group. At around eight years of age, females leave their natal group in order to join a new group before breeding. Because they are sociable animals, gorillas try to protect one another from potential danger. Adult gorillas commonly risk their lives to defend their young from poachers and other dang
