Food:
* Leaves: Gorillas are primarily herbivores and their diet consists largely of leaves, shoots, and stems. They find most of these in the canopy of trees.
* Fruits: They also eat fruit, which is often found growing high up in trees.
Shelter:
* Sleeping nests: Gorillas build sleeping nests in trees for protection from predators and the elements.
* Protection from the sun: The dense foliage of the forest canopy provides shade from the sun, especially during the hottest hours of the day.
Safety:
* Protection from predators: Trees provide a safe refuge from predators like leopards. Gorillas can climb quickly and easily to escape danger.
Social interaction:
* Travel: Gorillas move through the forest, often using the branches of trees to get around. This is especially true for young gorillas, who might not be strong enough to navigate the dense undergrowth on the ground.
* Vocalization: The branches of trees amplify their calls, helping them communicate with other gorillas.
Other benefits:
* Nest building materials: Gorillas use branches and leaves to construct their sleeping nests.
* Water sources: Gorillas may drink water from the leaves of trees after rain or from pools of water collected in the hollows of trees.
In short, trees are an integral part of the gorilla ecosystem, providing them with food, shelter, safety, and resources for social interaction. Their survival is heavily dependent on the health of the forests they call home.