Why Silverback Gorillas Fight?
Why Silverback Gorillas Fight: It is thanks to gorilla trekking safaris that we are able to understand the nature, habits and daily lifestyles of gorillas in their natural habitats. There are several reasons as to why silverback gorillas fight- Changes in leadership, known as dominance, occur in a variety of ways from time to time. It might be due to the death of the dominant silverback, but it can also be due to a lone silverback intruding and posing a challenge, generally by convincing one or more females to transfer to him.
Solitary guys are highly fascinating because, when compared to those who remain in their natal groups and strive more toward collaboration and group cohesion, they frequently have an ambitious nature. So seeing two lone silverbacks battling for the lead of a group is unusual.
When in a fighting state, gorilla males are extremely deadly opponents due to their sharp fangs and enormous strength. As a result, most disagreements are settled via exhibiting and other threat behavior patterns rather of fighting, with no one getting hurt. Gorillas are well-known for their exhibition behavior, which includes chest thumping and loud hooting. The chest beat of silverback males is extremely striking.
When two groups of gorillas encounter, the leading silverbacks might occasionally participate in a battle to the death, mostly utilizing their sharp teeth to produce deep, gaping injuries.
Why Silverback Gorillas Fight?
A silverback gorilla’s responsibilities include, among other things, guarding the family, building nests, seeking for food, caring for the young, and mating with females. Because it is the only male in the group that mates with the females and does not allow any other male in the group to do so, attempting to mate with his females is one of the most common reasons why silverbacks from the same group fight.
It is usual for the male who attempted to mate without consent from the head silverback to be driven out of the group and may steal some members of this group to form his own family.
When a member of the same group refuses to obey the dominant Silverback’s directives, the other members of the group fight. When a younger silverback believes he can lead the group, he will seek to dethrone the leader, resulting in a vicious struggle in which the winner will head the family.
Another reason gorillas fight is to protect their families from adversaries or outsiders; when two groups meet, silverbacks frequently engage in combat.
Gorilla Vs Chimpanzee
Gorillas and chimps share their environment and even eat some of the same plant species over most of Africa, making them rivals. This is most noticeable as the fruit ripens and both species are drawn to the same tree. The two species normally avoid one other, but they do dine happily together in the same tree on occasion. Nonetheless, their clashes occasionally end in fatalities. Two occurrences from Gabon are reported, in which the more numerous chimps drove away the gorillas and murdered a gorilla new-born.
Where to find Silverback Gorillas?
Nevertheless, gorillas are peaceful and sociable natural animals that require space when they exhibit indications of disturbance, and your ranger guide will advise you on what to do if the gorillas show any signs of distress. They live happily with their families, play and help each other when needed, and protect each other, as you will see on your gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda, Mgahinga National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, or Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Gorilla Trekking Permit Cost in Rwanda, Uganda and Congo
A gorilla trekking permit fee in Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo varies depending on which of the three countries you are visiting on your gorilla trekking safari. Each one of these nations charges a separate fee for gorilla permits: USD 700 in Uganda, USD 1,500 in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and USD 400 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
How many people can track a gorilla group?
A party of up to eight people is permitted to trek for one group every day, and once you locate the group, you are only allowed to stay with them for one hour. When travelers stumble discover these interesting forest primates, it is usually an exciting occasion.
Conclusion: Although a rare scenario, it is possible for visitors on a gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda, Uganda or Congo to witness a fight between two silverback gorillas. If confronted by such a rare situation, visitors are advised to keep calm and follow the instructions of your guide in order to be safe and avoid any harmful altercations with the silverback gorillas.
