Scientists have recorded group attacks of gorillas on their relatives. Researchers were studying mountain gorillas at the Karisok Research Center in Rwanda when they noticed several primates, joining in a group, for unknown reasons, attacked individual individuals. Experts managed to register three such cases. Scientists have previously reported on the attacks by gorilla gangs by several witnesses.
According to popular belief, gorillas are quite peaceful, despite their formidable appearance. They usually do not come into conflict with their relatives. But sometimes there are clashes between them, which can end in the death of one of the rivals. Previously, it was believed that gorillas sort things out without the help of relatives. However, as it turned out, these primates can arrange group raids, attacking one or two individuals.
The researchers observed the first attack in 2004. As reported by those who saw the attack, the fight took place unexpectedly. A male gorilla, which scientists named Inshuti, approached a nearby group of gorillas, which experts called Bitsmi. Despite the fact that the gorillas drove him away several times, Inshuti did not abandon his attempts to "make acquaintance". Suddenly one of the gorillas screamed. The observers were unable to determine if it was Inshuti or one of the group's gorillas.
After that, three males began to pursue Inshuti. When they knocked Inshuti to the ground, the three pursuing gorillas were joined by the rest, including females and juveniles. The main male grabbed Inshuti with his teeth and began to shake him like a fighting dog. The fight lasted for several minutes. It ended as suddenly as it began. The attackers withdrew, and the wounded Inshuti retreated into the forest.
Subsequently, scientists observed two more similar attacks on Inshuti and another male. So far, researchers do not know what caused the gorillas to behave this way.