Species in the Gamba complex

A rich and varied biodiversity

Blessed with so many habitats, the Gamba Complex has an incredibly rich biodiversity. Lagoons bordered with hippo-hiding mangroves and dotted with islands sprouting huge Ceiba pentandra, are surrounded by forests boasting big buttressed Sacoglottis gabonensis and the sweet smelling Okoumé tree.

Swamps full of many-coloured leaves and clinging vines give way to dry, sparsely covered ground, under the dense canopy of gigantic Moabi trees, which spread their umbrella-like canopies over the fragile soil below. These forests are fragmented by tall grass savannahs, some extending as far as the white sand beaches.

Many vegetation types, abundant wildlife
Along the rivers in the area, papyrus grows in swamps where elephants congregate throughout the year.

The wide variety of terrain, along with the abundance of moisture, has given rise to a large variety of vegetation types, which in turn, supports an astonishing array of wildlife.

Elephants, chimpanzees, gorillas
The wildlife in the area is plentiful, and high densities of large mammals such as forest elephant, forest buffalo, red river hog, gorilla and chimpanzee have been recorded.

Elephant populations are estimated at 10,000 individuals. Total gorilla and chimpanzee populations are each estimated at 5,000 individuals.

Also found here are 11species of forest antelope, including one of only 2 protected bush buck population in Gabon and 9 species of primates,  including white collared mangabeys.

470 bird species, African crocodiles, manatee, hippopotamus
A total of 470 bird species, represented by many spectacular species such as pelicans, ibises, hornbills, turacos and bee-eaters have been recorded, of which 80% are resident breeders.

The widespread distribution of a variety of aquatic habitats favours the occurrence of all 3 African crocodile species as well as freshwater turtles, manatee and hippopotamus.

World's most important nesting area for leatherback turtles
The 200km long coastline is of global importance as a breeding area for several species of marine turtles, including leatherbacks, olive ridleys, green turtles, and hawksbills.

Offshore, marine mammals such as dolphins and whales are regularly sighted, and the coastal waters are a breeding ground for important populations of humpback whales, which are estimated at 1,500 to 3,000 individuals.

What are the threats?

For an in depth, beautiful look at the wondrous variety of life in the Gamba Complex, please see the Smithsonian Institution publication, The "Edge of Africa", by Carlton Ward, Jr. (http://www.carltonward.com/)