Silverback Gorilla is the name given to the adult male Gorillas because of the silvery fur running across their backs and hips.
A silverback gorilla leads each gorilla group serving as its chief protector and defender for years. Group size is usually 5-10 individuals, but can vary from 2 to over 50 members. According to group size, habitat quality and food availability, a group’s home range may vary from 5 to over 30km².
If a silverback leaves a group, he wanders alone for a number of years, then sometimes establishes a range next to or overlapping that of his old group.
Adult males that stay in a group are generally the offspring of the dominant male and eventually will take over leadership.
A silverback gorilla might be 9 times stronger than an average man very though they are shy and reserved towards people.
They will attack only if they are surprised or threatened or if a person behaves in the wrong way. If the human makes an unexpected movement, the silverback male can react with horrific roaring and bluff charges.
Silver backs are two times bigger than females. They can reach height of 6 feet and weight of 480 pounds.
Older silverbacks develop a crown of muscle and hair that makes the head look even longer. The arms are longer than the stubby legs.
A silverback normally begins to breed between 12 and 15 years, when he is in charge of his own group.