What Food Do Gorillas Eat?

An In-Depth Exploration of the Diet of Mountain Gorillas by Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd.

Gorillas are one of the most fascinating and closely studied species in the animal kingdom, not just because of their physical strength and intelligence but also because of their dietary habits. Understanding what gorillas eat provides critical insights into their habitat needs, behavior, and conservation strategies. As a key part of the ecosystem, gorillas play a role in seed dispersal, vegetation growth, and forest regeneration. At Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd., we believe that learning about the food habits of these majestic creatures enhances the experience of gorilla trekking and raises awareness about their conservation. In this article, we will explore the diverse diet of gorillas, focusing primarily on the mountain gorillas found in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Types of Gorillas and Their Diets

Gorillas are herbivores, meaning their diet is composed solely of plant material. There are two main species of gorillas: eastern gorillas (which include mountain gorillas) and western gorillas. While both species share similar dietary preferences, there are differences in the types of vegetation they consume, influenced by the regions they inhabit.

Mountain Gorillas’ Diet

Mountain gorillas, which are the primary species of gorillas encountered on trekking safaris in Uganda, Rwanda, and the DRC, are predominantly folivores. This means they consume a wide variety of leaves, stems, and shoots, but they also eat fruits, bamboo, and other plant matter when available.

• Habitat Influence: The dense, lush forests and montane habitats of the Virunga Mountains (where mountain gorillas reside) offer an abundant selection of plant foods. These forests are rich in vegetation, providing mountain gorillas with ample food year-round.
• Diet Diversity: Mountain gorillas have an adaptive diet, consuming a range of plants depending on the season and availability. Some of their favored food sources include leaves, fruit, bamboo shoots, and tree bark.

Western Gorillas’ Diet

Western gorillas, found in the rainforests of West and Central Africa, have a slightly different diet. They tend to consume a higher proportion of fruit, particularly when fruit is in season, although they still rely heavily on leaves, stems, and other plant materials. This diet shift is due to the varied ecosystems in which western gorillas live, which offer different plant resources compared to the montane forests inhabited by their eastern counterparts.

Key Components of a Gorilla’s Diet

Gorillas have a diverse range of food sources, and they are known for their ability to consume a wide variety of plant species. Below are the key types of food that make up the diet of mountain gorillas.

Leaves

One of the primary food sources for mountain gorillas is the leaves of a variety of plants. These leaves are nutrient-dense and provide essential vitamins and minerals. The gorillas are skilled at selecting the most nutritious leaves, often choosing those from plants that are high in fiber, protein, and other vital nutrients.

• Variety of Leaves: They consume the leaves of trees, shrubs, and vines, with some of the most favored being from wild celery, fig trees, and various herbaceous plants. Their preference for fresh, tender leaves means they are highly selective in their feeding habits.

Bamboo

Bamboo plays an important role in the diet of mountain gorillas, particularly in regions where it is abundant, such as in the highland areas of the Virunga Mountains. Bamboo shoots are a valuable food source for gorillas because they are rich in nutrients and easy to digest.

• Nutrient-Rich Bamboo: Mountain gorillas feed on both bamboo leaves and tender bamboo shoots, which are especially nutritious. Bamboo provides the gorillas with a source of carbohydrates, fiber, and essential vitamins that are important for their health and energy.

Fruits

While gorillas are primarily herbivores, they do indulge in fruits when they are in season. Fruits provide an excellent source of sugar, water, and other essential nutrients. For mountain gorillas, fruits are typically a supplement to their leafy and fibrous diet rather than a primary food source.

• Seasonal Fruits: Some of the fruits that mountain gorillas enjoy include wild berries, figs, guava, and other tropical fruits found in their environment. These fruits are consumed during certain times of the year when they are plentiful.

Stems and Shoots

Gorillas are adept at foraging for stems and young shoots, which are rich in vitamins and proteins. These plant parts are typically high in water content, helping to hydrate the gorillas, especially in regions where rainfall is seasonal.

• Young Shoots: Mountain gorillas prefer tender, young shoots, which are easier to chew and digest. These shoots often come from plants like nettle, climbing vines, and certain types of grasses.

Tree Bark

In addition to leaves and shoots, gorillas will occasionally strip the bark from certain trees to eat. Tree bark provides a different type of nutrition, offering additional fiber, minerals, and sometimes even sugars from the inner bark layer.

• Bark Stripping: Though not a daily food source, bark from trees like wild cherry or fig trees is sometimes eaten by mountain gorillas, particularly when other food sources are scarce.

How Gorillas Forage and Feed

Gorillas are skilled foragers, using their intelligence and physical strength to locate and gather food. Unlike some herbivores that graze in open plains, gorillas forage in dense forest environments, often climbing trees, bending branches, or digging to access food.

Climbing and Gathering

Mountain gorillas are excellent climbers, particularly the younger members of the group, who often climb trees to access fruits, bamboo, and other high-lying food sources. Adult gorillas may bend tall plants or uproot smaller shrubs to access food on the ground, using their strong arms and hands to manipulate plant material.

Social Feeding

Gorillas often feed in groups, with the entire troop foraging together for food. This social aspect of feeding is important, as it allows gorillas to share information about food sources and navigate the forest more effectively. Gorillas also engage in “food sharing,” with dominant members of the group occasionally passing food to subordinates.

Feeding Behavior and Digestion

Gorillas have a relatively slow digestion process, allowing them to efficiently process the high-fiber, low-calorie diet they consume. Despite their large size, gorillas have large intestines and an extended digestion system that allows them to extract as much nutrition as possible from their plant-based diet.

Eating Schedule

Mountain gorillas typically spend about four to six hours per day feeding, with the majority of their day dedicated to foraging. They tend to eat a wide variety of plants and rotate between different food sources to ensure they get a balanced diet. After a long day of feeding, gorillas will rest and sleep in nests made from leaves and branches.

Nutritional Needs

To sustain their large size and energy needs, gorillas need to consume large quantities of food daily. An adult mountain gorilla may eat up to 30 to 40 kilograms of plant material each day, including leaves, bamboo, fruits, and stems. Their large digestive system is built to process this substantial intake, allowing them to remain healthy and energetic.

Conclusion: The Importance of a Balanced Diet for Gorilla Conservation

Understanding the diet of mountain gorillas is crucial for their conservation and management in the wild. The abundance and diversity of vegetation in Uganda, Rwanda, and the DRC’s gorilla habitats are vital to maintaining healthy gorilla populations. As human activities, including agriculture and deforestation, continue to threaten gorilla habitats, protecting these ecosystems becomes increasingly important. At Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd., we are dedicated to promoting sustainable tourism practices that contribute to gorilla conservation and the preservation of their natural food sources. By supporting responsible eco-tourism, we can ensure that gorillas continue to thrive in the wild for generations to come.