Silverback is a term used to describe adult male gorillas who have developed the characteristic silver hair on their backs. This silver coloration typically appears when the gorilla reaches sexual maturity, which can occur around 12 to 15 years of age. Not all male gorillas develop the silverback appearance, and some may have less pronounced or even absent silver hair.
In a mountain gorilla group, there is usually one dominant silverback male who leads and protects the group. This silverback is responsible for various tasks such as conflict resolution, foraging, and determining the group's movement. He establishes dominance through physical strength, social interactions, and displays of power. Other male gorillas within the group may also be referred to as "blackbacks" because they have not yet developed the silver coloration.
Therefore, while the term "silverback" specifically refers to adult male mountain gorillas with distinctive silver hair, it does not apply to all gorillas within a mountain gorilla group. The presence of silverbacks plays a significant role in the social structure and dynamics of these gorilla groups.