Cross River Gorillas – The Cross River Gorilla are one of the subspecies of the western gorilla and were named a new species in the year 1904 by Paul Matschie a mammalian taxonomist.
Scientifically they are called Gorilla gorilla diehli with a population of about 250 to 300 individuals remaining on the earth.
They are habited on the forested hills on the Cameroon- Nigerian border.
This subspecies of gorillas is not easily found and most people confuse them with the western lowland gorillas.
However , these gorillas can be different as cross river gorillas have cranial vaults, palates , and their feet, hand and borne length are smaller thus the smallest in size compared to other gorilla species.
The unique thing about these gorillas is that they live near humans but yet the shyest of all gorillas.
An adult males weighs between 140 kg to 200kg and the height is normally 165cm to 175cm whereas an adult female weighs about 100kg with a height of 140cm.
Where they are found
Cross River gorillas are habited in the Mbe mountains and Afi mountains of Cameroon and Nigeria in the national parks of Takamanda National Park of Cameroon and Cross River National Park of Nigeria.
Social life, Diet & Nesting Habits
The cross river gorillas just like other gorillas live in troops and led by a male silver back which is responsible of the entire group , providing protection , mating females in the group and leading the group to search for food.
The families of these cross river gorillas are smaller compared to other gorillas as they consist of 4 to 7 individuals or more though groups of 20 individuals are not easily found.Cross river gorillas feed on plant leaves , fruits , seeds , small insects like ants and termites.
Cross river gorillas build their nests in trees with fruits in most cases though nests are always on the ground.
Some factors that facilitate the nest building are climate, seasonal fruits, vegetation etc.
They are widely affected by poaching , diseases like Ebola and cholera and tree logging and mining among others.
Cross River Gorilla Trekking
Trekking this type of gorilla is not different from other. However, tourists are advised to make their bookings earlier on the trekking day. The tourist are guided by experienced guides through the terrain to meet these creatures.
Tourists get to spend only an hour with the gorillas and expected to follow the rules such as keeping a distance, no taking photos among others.
Gorilla permits are the necessary authorization cards needed to go trekking and they can be obtained at national park head quarters such as Takamanda National park of Cameroon and Cross River National Park of Nigeria.
Best time to Visit
Cross river gorillas can easily be spotted in the dry season months of January to February, May to September. This is because during the dry season they usually nest in the branches.
In conclusion the cross river gorillas are unique creatures and are worth trekking.
