Silverback Gorilla Facts: Strength, Speed, Behaviour and Role in the Group
A silverback leads, protects and settles disputes in a gorilla family.
A silverback is the dominant adult male who leads a family group of females and young. He decides when and where the group feeds and rests, protects against threats, and mediates disputes. Younger males, called blackbacks, are not yet fully mature.
Silverbacks are very strong, although reliable measurements are scarce; claims of exact lifting weights are not well documented. Gorillas can run in short bursts, but they spend most of the day feeding and resting. See silverback size and are gorillas dangerous.
This guide is part of our animals of Uganda and East Africa guide. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Uganda safari vacations.
At a glance
- Role: Leader and protector
- Group size: Often 5 to 30
- Maturity: Around 12 years
- Behaviour: Chest-beating displays
Chest Beating and Displays
A silverback will beat his chest, charge and hoot to show strength or warn off a rival. Most displays are bluff, which is why trekkers are asked to follow ranger guidance and keep their distance.
Leadership
The silverback sets the pace for the day, leads the group between feeding spots and defends it from rival males. When he dies, the group may split or a new male may take over.
Meet One
You can sit near a habituated silverback on a trek with ranger supervision. See gorilla safari packages.
Want to see them in the wild? Send us your dates and we will arrange permits and a guide.
Related Tours, Guides and Resources
- Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
- Uganda safari packages
- Uganda travel guide
- How to book a Uganda safari
- Plan your safari with our team
Itineraries That Include This Experience
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Uganda Safari Pages
- Silverback Gorilla Weight and Height: How Big Is a Full-Grown Silverback?
- Are Gorillas Dangerous? Aggression, Attacks and Safety on a Gorilla Trek
- Gorilla vs Chimpanzee: Differences in Size, Diet, Behaviour and Habitat
- What Do Gorillas Eat? Gorilla Diet, Foraging and Feeding Habits
- Animals of Uganda and East Africa: Gorilla, Chimpanzee, Big Five and Bird Fact Guides
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