Facts About Cross River Gorillas and Their Way of Life, To truly appreciate Cross River gorillas, it’s essential to first understand the major species and subspecies of gorillas. There are two primary gorilla species: The Western gorilla and the Eastern gorilla. Each species is further divided into subspecies. Western gorillas include the Cross River gorilla and the Western lowland gorilla, while Eastern gorillas are split into Mountain gorillas and Eastern lowland gorillas.

In this article, we focus on Cross River gorillas. For those interested in Mountain gorillas, Eastern lowland gorillas, or trekking experiences in places like Kahuzi-Biega National Park, you can explore additional resources on these topics.

What Are Cross River Gorillas?

They Are scientifically known as Gorilla gorilla diehli, are a subspecies of the Western gorilla (Gorilla gorilla). They were first identified as a unique subspecies in 1904, but detailed studies about them only began in 1987.

These gorillas typically grow to a height of 4.7 to 5.5 feet (1.4 to 1.7 meters) and weigh between 220 and 440 pounds (100 to 200 kilograms). In the wild, their lifespan ranges from 35 to 50 years.

These rare gorillas inhabit the mountains, highlands, and forests along the Cameroon-Nigeria border. Specific populations can be found in:

• Mbe Mountains (Cameroon)
• Afi Mountains (Nigeria)
• Cross River National Park (Nigeria)
• Takamanda National Park (Cameroon)

Interestingly, the nearest population of their closest relatives, the Western lowland gorillas, is located approximately 300 kilometers away in Cameroon’s Ebo Forest.

Scientists like John Oates and Esteban Sarmiento believe that this gorilla sub specie began evolving as a unique type of western gorilla (Gorilla gorilla) during the African Pleistocene era. This was a time when the climate was dry, and food was scarce. Some western lowland gorillas were forced to move to the isolated forests near the Cross River region and the Cameroon highlands due to the lack of food. This separation likely caused their population to shrink.

From 1995 to 2011, the Cross River gorilla population was believed to have dropped by about 58%, a sharper decline than any other gorilla subspecies. In the 1980s, they were even thought to have gone extinct during a civil war, only to be rediscovered later. Because their numbers are so low, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified them as critically endangered. Among Africa’s great apes, the Cross River gorilla is the most endangered, even more so than the mountain gorilla.

Where can you find wild Cross River gorillas? Unfortunately, these gorillas are very shy and avoid humans because they live closer to human settlements than other gorilla species. Their small population and elusive behavior mean tourists cannot visit or track them in the wild, making sightings extremely rare.

Characteristics of Cross River Gorillas

These gorillas are different from their closest relatives, the western lowland gorillas and eastern gorillas, mainly in size and physical traits. While they may resemble western lowland gorillas at first glance, experts can quickly spot key differences. Cross River gorillas have smaller skulls, ears, palates, and cranial vaults. Their limbs, feet, hands, and bones are also noticeably shorter. The hair around their face is smooth and sparse, giving them a distinct appearance.

Among all gorilla subspecies, Cross River gorillas are the smallest. Despite their smaller size, adult silverback males can still weigh up to 200 kilograms.

Ways of life and Living of Cross River Gorillas

Cross River gorillas, like other gorilla subspecies, are highly social. They typically live in small family groups of 4 to 7 members, though larger groups of up to 20 are rare. Each group is led by a dominant male silverback, who protects the group and makes decisions about food, nesting, and movement.

Their nesting habits depend on factors like the availability of fruits, vegetation, weather, and safety. During the dry season, they mostly build nests on the ground, while in the wet season, they nest in trees. Cross River gorillas eat a diet rich in fruits but also consume herbs and tree bark. Seasonal changes affect their food supply, with plenty of vegetation available during the rainy season and sweeter, ripened fruits during the dry season.

Threats Affecting the Habitants of Cross River Gorillas

Cross River gorillas prefer dense forests and highlands, which provide food and shelter while keeping them away from humans. However, growing human populations have led to forest encroachment and habitat fragmentation, putting these gorillas at risk. As forests are converted into farmland, gorilla groups become isolated, making it harder for them to connect with each other. This isolation increases inbreeding and reduces genetic diversity.

Human activities such as hunting, logging, and land clearing have further threatened their survival. While hunting is now less common, it still occurs for bushmeat, traditional medicine, or by accident when poachers leave wire snares in the forests. These gorillas are also at risk from traffickers and diseases like Ebola.

Interestingly, Cross River gorillas show more aggressive behavior toward humans than other subspecies. They have been observed throwing grass, sticks, or mud to scare off people, likely due to frequent encounters with humans near farms and fields.

Conservation Efforts

With only about 300 Cross River gorillas left in the wild, their survival depends on strong conservation efforts. Thankfully, their critically endangered status has drawn attention from local governments and international organizations.

Governments in Cameroon and Nigeria have created protected areas like the Takamanda National Park, Kagwene Gorilla Sanctuary, and Cross River National Park. Together, these form a cross-border conservation zone, giving the gorillas more space to move and live safely. Wildlife laws in these areas are strictly enforced, and guards have been deployed to prevent human encroachment. A planned highway in the Ekuri community forest was even rerouted to protect gorilla habitats.

International organizations such as the IUCN, WWF, and Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) have played key roles in conservation efforts. They’ve provided funding for creating protected areas, deploying rangers, and equipping anti-poaching teams. WCS has also helped local communities near the reserves develop alternative livelihoods to reduce forest dependence, while WWF has worked with logging companies to protect critical wildlife corridors.

Education campaigns have raised awareness about the importance of preserving Cross River gorillas for future generations. With these efforts, there is hope for the survival of this unique and endangered subspecies.