Wildlife of Gabon

The wildlife of Gabon includes its flora and fauna and their natural habitats. Gabon is a largely low-lying country with a warm, humid climate. Much of the country is still covered by tropical rainforest and there are also grasslands, savannas, large rivers and coastal lagoons.

Fauna

Mammals

Gabon has important populations of many mammals including about 35000 Gorillas, 60000 Forest Elephants and 64000 Common Chimpanzees. Other large mammals include the Hippopotamus, Forest Buffalo, Bongo and Red River Hog. A variety of monkeys occur, including large numbers of the Mandrill. Carnivorous mammals include the Leopard and various jackals, mongooses, genets and civets. The West African Manatee is found along coasts and large rivers while the Humpback Whale breeds offshore.

Birds

Over 670 species of bird have been recorded in Gabon. None of these are endemic but some such as the Dja River Warbler, Verreaux's Batis, African River Martin and Black-chinned Weaver are restricted to Central Africa and have only small ranges. The Grey-necked Picathartes and Loango Weaver are classed as vulnerable species by the IUCN.

Reptiles

A variety of snakes are found including the Gaboon Viper. Sea turtles breed along the coast, particularly the Leatherback Turtle.

Flora

There are over 7000 species of native vascular plant in Gabon. About 22% of these are endemic. New species are still being discovered such as the tree "Cola lizae" which was first described in 1987.

Conservation

Wildlife in Gabon faces a number of threats including logging and poaching. However 11% of the country's area is now protected in a recently-established network of 13 national parks.

References

*African Bird Club (2008) " [http://www.africanbirdclub.org/countries/Gabon/introduction.html Birds and birding in Gabon] ". Accessed 18 June 2008.
*Warne, Sophie (2003) "Gabon, São Tomé and Príncipe: the Bradt Travel Guide", Bradt. ISBN 1841620734

External links

* [http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2002/09/0904_020904_gabonparks.html Gabon to Create Huge Park System for Wildlife] , National Geographic News.