Vila the Gorilla - 23andme format - SAMN01920499

Western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) are a subspecies of gorilla primarily found in the dense rainforests of central and western Africa, particularly in countries like Cameroon, Gabon, and the Republic of Congo. They are the smallest and most widespread of the gorilla subspecies, characterized by a more arboreal (tree-climbing) lifestyle compared to mountain gorillas. Western lowland gorillas are critically endangered, mainly due to habitat loss, poaching, and disease outbreaks like Ebola, which has severely impacted some populations.

The genetics of western lowland gorillas have been increasingly studied in recent years, thanks to advancements in DNA sequencing. Genetic research on these gorillas has provided insights into their evolutionary history, population structure, and vulnerability to environmental changes.