Key Points: 1. Gorillas are the largest primates, inhabiting tropical forests in equatorial Africa. 2. Two main species of gorillas exist: eastern and western gorillas, divided into four or five subspecies. 3. Gorillas are closely related genetically to humans (96-99% similarity), with bonobos and chimpanzees being their next closest living relatives. 4. Gorillas are primarily herbivorous and live in troops led by a dominant male called a silverback. 5. Eastern gorillas are recognized by their darker fur and some minor morphological differences from western gorillas. 6. Their natural habitats span a wide range of elevations, from lowland swamps to altitudes of up to 4,300 meters (in the case of mountain gorillas). 7. Approximately 316,000 western gorillas and 5,000 eastern gorillas are believed to remain in the wild. 8. Both species are Critically Endangered, with the exception of the mountain gorilla, which is Endangered. 9. Major threats to gorillas include poaching, habitat destruction, and diseases. 10. Conservation efforts have shown some success in certain areas where gorillas live.