Gorilla Chest Beating: Why do Mountain Gorillas Beat their Chests? (Gorilla Behavior Facts)
Mountain gorilla chest beating: Why do mountain gorillas beat their chests? Have you always asked yourself why male mountain gorillas beat their chests? What does it mean when a gorilla beats its chest?
To start with, like others, you could have heard or watched about the famous behavior of King Kong early in 1933 as he displayed real gorilla behaviors, especially chest beating. But what still remains unknown is why mountain gorillas beat their chest.
Chest beating is such a remarkable display primate trekkers are likely to encounter on gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. There are multiple reasons why mountain gorillas beat their chests. We have covered all the reasons in this article to help you better understand the behavior of these humble giants.
Chest beating by mountain gorillas shows how they communicate. This mode of communication sends a message to visitors and also the rest of the mountain gorillas who are members of that particular group. The reasons for gorilla chest beating significantly vary, although the most essential one is to deter potential male rivals in their territory. This act is usually common with silverback mountain gorillas –the male gorillas and leaders of the groups.
Why do mountain gorillas beat their chests? Facts about gorilla chest beating.
- The main reason why mountain gorillas beat their chests is when they sense a threat/danger. Gorilla chest beating usually happens as a way in which gorillas charge at humans or their rivals in their territory. This mode of communication in gorilla habitat is a warning indicator. When they display this sign, it is a warning sign that you or their rival should move away.
- Gorillas beat their chests to show victory. After they have won a fight, often gorillas (silverbacks) beat their chests. It is how they show that they are strong. It is also used as a way to pass messages (communication), especially when it is time to move and the rest of the members are expected to follow the silverback gorilla.
- Power struggle (leadership struggle). Gorilla chest beating also occurs when a young black back tries to challenge the dominant male gorilla (silverback gorilla). When this happens, the black back may retreat or the fight can erupt.
- When not visited after habituation, mountain gorillas can get back to their wild state. When this happens, they can show signs like chest beating when humans visit them again in their habitat. It takes about 2-3 years or less to habituate a family of mountain gorillas.
- When another silverback wants to grab members of a family, a silverback in that group can begin chest beating. This is a sign that he has been charged with the act.
- Unexpected movements in the gorilla habitat. This can prompt gorillas to beat their chest. Unexpected movements can scare or make gorillas charge at you. This is one strong reason why all gorilla trekkers are advised you avoid as much as they can unnecessary movements, keep low your voices, and keep within the group of visitors you came with to trek gorillas.
- Flash camera. Gorillas can get scared of the flashlight and as a result, they charge at you. They can react to this by beating their chests. Before you begin taking pictures of a family of mountain gorillas or a silverback gorilla, it is good practice to turn off the flashlight from your camera.
- Bad mood. Like humans, mountain gorillas can also be in a bad mood. This can prompt them to beat their chest as a way to deal with anger.
- The other special trait or mode of communication gorillas often display besides chest-beating is tearing/throwing vegetation, and screaming and can combine these with chest-beating.
- Loud noise. This is without doubt one of the causes of gorilla chest beating or charging. Noise often disrupts their peace just like humans. They desire a peaceful environment but sudden noise can irritate them.
Gorilla Chest Beating
What to do when gorillas charge in the wild?
The outcome of a gorilla charging at you is entirely unpredictable. What is essential is to take safety precautions. A full article is available on what to do when a gorilla charges at you in the wild.
What happens if you beat your chest in front of a gorilla?
This may depend on the gorilla type you come across. The adult male, you need to keep eyes away from them and females. With the playful baby gorillas, you can be greatly entertained. Generally, you should respect the guidelines from your park official or park ranger guide.
What does it mean when a gorilla shows its teeth?
Usually, gorillas show their teeth as a sign of submissiveness/appeasement. This is also tied to the origins of human smiling. Often, gorillas, especially males reveal their teeth by yawning.
Why do gorillas spin?
Great apes like gorillas deliberately spin themselves as a way to make themselves dizzy.
What are the different mechanics of gorilla chest beating?
Gorillas do chest beating using different mechanisms. They include striking their chest hard and multiple times, they use hands to hit the chest just like humans. While they beat their chests, they can be making loud sounds/screaming.
Do female gorillas also beat their chests?
Any member in a gorilla group can pound the chest. This includes female gorillas not only mature males (silverbacks). Do not be left in surprise when you come across a female mountain gorilla thumping her chest. The only difference is that they don’t often do it as males (silverbacks).
What do you need to see gorillas?
A valid gorilla permit is required of anyone with plans to explore mountain gorillas. Each permit in Uganda costs USD 800 per person; in Rwanda mountain gorilla permit prices are at USD 1500 per person although you can also have 15% discounted permits.
Pack right and start with waterproof hiking boots, long-sleeved shirts, a sweater, a rain jacket, a safari hat, insect repellents,
Conclusively, mountain gorillas are generally interesting creatures with distinct behaviors. Each behavioral display has something it communicates. Like other behaviors, chest-beating is common among mountain gorillas like other great apes.