Why Do Gorillas Beat Their Chest Around Humans?
Chest beating is one of the most iconic and often misunderstood behaviors you may witness on a gorilla trekking adventure, this dramatic display can be both thrilling and a little intimidating, but understanding its true meaning is key to appreciating these incredible apes and ensuring a safe and respectful interaction.
In this blog, we delve deep into the fascinating world of mountain gorillas, their communication, and exploring why these great apes beat their chests, especially in presence of humans.
The Primal Rhythm: Understanding Gorilla Chest Beating
The image of a huge of silverback beating its chest will forever stay in your mind, often portrayed in media as a sign of unbridled aggression. While it is indeed a display of strength, the reality is far more nuanced and complex.
Gorilla chest beating is a sophisticated form of communication, a primal rhythm that conveys a wealth of information within their social structure and to external observers, including human visitors.
More Than Just a Roar – The Science Behind the Chest Beat
When a gorilla beats its chest, it is not just making noise, it is a way of sending a clear message. The behavior is primarily performed by adult male gorillas, known as silverbacks, due to their distinctive saddle of grey hair that develops with age. Gorillas stand bipedally (on two legs) and rapidly beat their chests with cupped hands in quick succession. The sound produced is unique because it is not a vocalization in the traditional sense, like a growl or a hoot.
One of the most significant scientific discoveries about chest beating is that it serves as an honest signal of a gorilla’s body size. Researchers have found that larger males emit chest beats with lower peak frequencies than smaller gorillas. This means that the sound itself provides reliable information about the physical stature of the chest beater. In the world of gorillas, body size is a crucial indicator of competitive ability. A bigger, stronger male is more likely to be dominant and successful in reproduction. Therefore, this auditor cue allows other gorillas to assess the physical prowess of an individual without confrontation.
Furthermore, silverbacks possess large air sacs in their chest and throats, which amplifies the sound of their chest beats, making them even more resonant and impactful. This anatomical adaptation highlights the evolutionary importance of this display in their communication repertoire.
Messages behind a Chest Beat
While chest beat in gorillas is often associated with aggression, chest beating serves multiple vital functions within gorilla family.
- Attracting Females – For male gorillas, a powerful and resonant chest beat can be away to attract potential mates. It signals their health, strength and genetic fitness making them desirable partners.
- Intimidating Rivals – Chest beating in mountain gorillas is well known as a way silverbacks intimidate their rivals. By their body size and competitive ability, silverbacks can often deter rivals from challenging them, thereby preventing physical fight that could lead to injury.
- Maintaining Social Hierarchy – Within a gorilla family, chest beating is part of the social rituals that reinforce the dominance hierarchy. It helps establish and maintain the pecking order, ensuring stability within the family unit.
- Warning and Protection – A silverback will use chest beating as a warning display to protect its group from perceived threats, whether they are other gorillas, predators, or even humans. It is a clear signal to outsiders to keep their distance.
The Bluff Charge: A Dramatic but Deceptive Display
In most instances, a chest beat may be followed by a charge. This can be a truly heart-stopping moment, but it is vital to understand that the most of these are bluff charges. A bluff charge is a highly ritualized display designed to intimidate, not to harm. The silverback will propel himself forward with incredible speed, often covering a distance of 5 to 15 meters in a matter of seconds. The silverback may tear at vegetation, slap the ground, and make loud vocalizations.
This is a powerful and effective way for silverbacks to assert its dominance and reclaim its space without resorting to physical violence. It is a test of your reaction, and how you respond is critical to de-escalating the situation.
How to Respond to a Chest Beat from a silverback – Safari Traveler’s Guide
While on a gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda, your safety and wellbeing is our top priority and because of this, you are escorted by experience guides who have undergone extensive training to interpret gorilla behavior and will give you detailed instructions on how to conduct yourself during the trek. Still it is important to be prepared in advance.
Here are some of the essential dos and don’ts on how to respond to a gorilla’s chest beat and potential charge.
What No to Do
- Do not run – Running can be a trigger to the gorillas to chase you as a response, as it mimics the behavior of prey. It can escalate the situation from a bluff charge to a more serious encounter
- Do not scream or make loud noises – This can be interpreted as a challenge or a sign of aggression
- Do not make direct contact – In the gorilla world, a direct stare is a sign of aggression and a challenge to authority. Avoid looking the gorilla directly in eyes.
- Do not raise your hands or make sudden movements – This can be perceived as a threat. Keep your arms at your sides.
- Do not try to film or take photos during a charge – This action will distract you from your guide’s instructions and your own safety. Your focus should be on de-escalating the situation.
What To Do
- Stay calm and still – This is the most effect way to show the gorilla that you are not a threat.
- Do crouch down slowly – By making yourself smaller, you are showing deference and submission to the gorillas. This action reduces your perceived size and removes the visual threat.
- Keep your head down and avert your gaze – This is a sign of respect and non-aggression towards the gorilla.
- Listen to your guide’s instructions – Your guide is an expert in gorilla behavior and will know exactly what to do. Trust their expertise and follow their lead without question.
By following these simple guidelines, you can help ensure that your encounter with mountain gorillas is a positive and safe for both the visitors and mountain gorillas