Silver Back Gorilla

Silver Back Gorilla is a mature male gorillas. All male gorillas attain or develop the silver fur on their back at the age of 12 to 15 years, which is one of the major signs of maturity. Just like in humans man develop beards. The silver fur is a sign of dominance and age of the gorilla. The silver gorilla is generally large, strong and muscular and weigh between 300 to 500 pounds. The height of a silver back with an average height of 5.5 and 6 feet tall. The are the leaders of the gorilla groups made up of a number of females and younger males and babies.

Development of a black gorilla into a silver back.

A gorilla from birth to four years is regarded to be a baby or an infant. These individuals survive through the help of their mothers, and they keep breastfeeding from their mothers, sharing the night nest with their mothers. Mothers keep carrying other babies on their backs on their chest as they keep moving.

So, at the age of four years to six years. One is regarded to be juvenile and juveniles. These are independent individuals who can survive or live an independent life.
Even though the mother dies, a juvenile is in position to make it in life, because they can Feed on solid food and vegetation, and also to make their own night nests.

Then, from the age of 6-8years are regarded to be sub adult individuals.

Then for 8-12 years they are regarded to be blackbacks. These are premature male gorillas who are under the transition process to develop the silver fur.

And the from 12 years to 15 years are regarded as a young Silverback since the have just developed the silver fur, and you find that the fur does not cover the whole back.  the young Silverbacks always weigh in between 114-135 kilograms.

Then from 15 years and above. One is regarded to be a mature silverback and mature Silverbacks can weigh in between 136 kilograms to 180 kilograms. Some few of them, making it to 200 kilograms, and that can be approximately 400 pounds. In case you are much more familiar with the pounds. A mature Silverback when it stands on, his feet upright can range in between 1.4 meters to 1.7 meters, so that is the normal height of Silver Back when they stand upright.

Signs of maturity

The sings of development in male gorillas include:

Change in appearance the develop a silver like fur on their backs and hips hence calling them silverbacks. This the major sign of Maturity in Male gorillas. Sagittal crest development on above their heads. This helps to support their muscles while chewing. The male gorillas grow long, sharp and larger canine teeth they are generally for fighting and displaying dominance. These changes appear once they make it to the age of 12 to 15 years.

However, All the male gorillas can become Silverbacks, but not dominant Silverbacks because It calls for one to be brave and strong enough to undertake a number of fights in order to take over the leadership of the group and becomes the dominant Silverback.
When the male gorillas develop the silver fur they are left with a task of fighting for dominancy. Such that one can position to mate with all the females.

Role of a silver back gorilla

In a gorilla family the role of the Silverbacks range right from mating with the females. Taking full leadership and control of the group, they know where the group should feed from, they know where the group should rest from, they know where the group should make their night nest from and sleep. That’s all determined by the Silverback.

Silverback  gorilla protecting the Females from other males.

The Silverback gorillas  also is charged with the responsibility of protecting his females in case there is another Silverback gorillas who’s coming from another group. The coming of another silverback might result into fights between with the dominate male of the group. Before Silverbacks fight, they start by showing off their strengths, through chest beating, stamping on the ground and running up and down, breaking the vegetations that is purposely aimed at scaring away the other silverback that was trying to intrude into the group. The silver back is always scared away. once one makes a loud the Chest beat.

How to See Silverback Gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda

Conversing with an individual who has had the privilege of visiting the mountain gorillas of Rwanda and Uganda would yield an enthusiastic, if not ecstatic, discourse on the reasons the encounter is both enchanting and poignant.

Trekking through verdant rainforests in pursuit of one of humanity’s closest relatives is undeniably extraordinary. It is also uncommon.

Currently, approximately 1,000 mountain gorillas remain, rendering the species severely endangered. The only means to observe them (absent in zoos) is via hiking in specific East African national parks: Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. The expedition must be conducted with a professional guide to ensure both your safety and the care of the gorillas. This is a guide on planning a gorilla trekking expedition, encompassing expenses, permits, and tour operators capable of coordinating the entire experience.

What is the best time for seeing gorillas in Rwanda and Uganda?

Although one would contend that any time is suitable to encounter these remarkable animals, some months are preferable—specifically during the dry seasons of December to February and June to August. Prolonged rainfall for the remainder of the year may render trekking trails, often characterized by steep inclines, muddy and treacherous. Those conditions are not conducive to an all-day outdoor excursion. Consequently, obtaining permits is more feasible during the off-peak season.

When intending to visit during peak season (June–August), it is advisable to secure reservations as early as possible, as only eight permits are allocated daily for each habituated gorilla family, which are accustomed to human presence. Uganda has a total of 104 daily licenses, whereas Rwanda has 80.