Eastern Gorilla vs. Mandrill

Attribute	Eastern Gorilla	Mandrill
Species	Gorilla beringei	Mandrillus sphinx
Family	Hominidae	Cercopithecidae
Size	Up to 6 ft tall	Up to 3 ft tall
Weight	Up to 400 lbs	Up to 60 lbs
Habitat	Forests of Central Africa	Rainforests of West Africa

Physical Characteristics

Eastern Gorillas are the largest living primates, with males weighing up to 400 pounds and standing up to 6 feet tall. They have a stocky build, large hands and feet, and a prominent sagittal crest on their heads. Their fur is typically black or dark brown, and they have a patch of silver hair on their backs, which gives them a distinctive appearance. Mandrills, on the other hand, are much smaller in size, with males weighing around 60 pounds and standing up to 3 feet tall. They have a colorful appearance, with bright blue and red markings on their faces and rumps, and olive-colored fur covering the rest of their bodies.

Habitat

Eastern Gorillas are found in the forests of Central Africa, including countries like Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They prefer dense, tropical rainforests where they can find plenty of food and cover. Mandrills, on the other hand, are native to the rainforests of West Africa, including countries like Cameroon, Gabon, and Equatorial Guinea. They are typically found in lowland rainforests, but can also be seen in montane forests and swampy areas.

Social Structure

Eastern Gorillas live in cohesive family groups led by a dominant silverback male. These groups can consist of multiple females and their offspring, creating a complex social structure. The silverback is responsible for protecting the group and making decisions about where to forage and rest. Mandrills, on the other hand, live in large multi-male, multi-female groups known as hordes. These hordes can consist of hundreds of individuals and are led by a dominant male. Within the horde, there is a hierarchy based on age and size, with dominant individuals having access to the best food and mating opportunities.

Diet

Eastern Gorillas are primarily herbivores, with a diet that consists mainly of fruits, leaves, stems, and bamboo shoots. They will also eat insects and occasionally small animals. Mandrills, on the other hand, have a more varied diet that includes fruits, seeds, nuts, insects, and small animals. They are known to forage on the forest floor and in the trees, using their specialized cheek pouches to store food for later consumption.

Reproduction

Eastern Gorillas have a slow reproductive rate, with females giving birth to a single offspring every 3 to 4 years. The gestation period is around 8.5 months, and the young gorilla will stay with its mother for several years before becoming independent. Mandrills, on the other hand, have a faster reproductive rate, with females giving birth to a single offspring every 1 to 2 years. The gestation period is around 6 months, and the young mandrill will stay with its mother for about a year before becoming more independent.

Conservation Status

Eastern Gorillas are listed as critically endangered by the IUCN, with populations declining due to habitat loss, poaching, and disease. There are estimated to be fewer than 5,000 individuals left in the wild, making them one of the most endangered species of gorilla. Mandrills, on the other hand, are listed as vulnerable by the IUCN, with populations declining due to habitat loss and hunting for bushmeat. There are estimated to be fewer than 20,000 individuals left in the wild, making them a species of concern.