Hippopotamuses

The Hippopotamus, a semi-aquatic mammal

The common hippopotamus, or Hippopotamus amphibius for short, is a semi-aquatic mammal found in the sub-Saharan region of Africa. It can be distinguished from its counterpart Hexaprotodon liberiensis, commonly known as the dwarf hippopotamus, due to its smaller size.

The common hippopotamus, the more emblematic of the two, is one of the largest land mammals, alongside rhinoceroses and elephants. An adult male can measure between 3 and 5 metres and weigh up to 3,200 kilos. The name Hippopotamus, which translates as “river horse” in Greek, is a reminder of the special lifestyle this mammal has adopted. It spends most of its days lounging passively in the water, only coming ashore at nightfall to feed.

As it is unable to submerge completely, evolution has given the Hippopotamus a special morphology that enables it to keep its sense organs out of the water while the rest of its body is underwater. This particularity also enables it to remain on the alert for the various threats hanging over these wild lands. In addition, it secretes an oily substance that protects the parts of its body exposed to the sun. This reddish-pink protective oil has also contributed greatly to the animal’s popularity.

How does a Hippopotamus behave?

Although popular culture has given it a rather childlike and weary appearance, the Hippopotamus is in reality a ferocious and very territorial animal. This aspect, often forgotten by Westerners, generally leads to a difficult cohabitation between the Hippopotamus and the local people of Africa. Although highly gregarious during the day, the hippopotamus quickly becomes a solitary animal when night falls, making it much harder to keep an eye on, and the agricultural fields pay a high price. In fact, this enormous mammal is often the cause of a great deal of destruction during its nocturnal feeding bouts.

During the day, the animal settles down and forms groups of between 2 and 150 individuals. In society, male hippopotamuses do not try to attract females, or at least not directly. The two individuals are attracted through an intermediary, their territory.

The male, who is very dominant, takes care of finding a comfortable habitat and defending it from various predators. It is this same territory which, depending on its quality, will have an attractive effect on the females of the species.

The female looks after the young, accompanying them to feed at night when the herds separate. However, the young hippos can quickly become a threat to the adult males in the herd during the breeding season, when intra-herd clashes over leadership can occur.

Hippopotamus: an endangered species?

According to scientific studies, hippopotamus populations are declining in more than half the countries where the species occurs. The number of individuals is currently estimated at around 120,000. This sudden disappearance is closely linked to the large-scale poaching of the species. The ivory in its gigantic teeth and the animal’s meat are a rare commodity that fuels both the legal and illegal trade. In addition, the significant development of human activities in areas where the hippopotamus lives has led to an increase in encounters between humans and animals.

What solution is provided?

In response, many African countries have asked for the Hippopotamus to be added to the list of the world’s most endangered animals. This would give the species the highest level of protection under CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). But this protection would also make it possible to combat the illegal trade that threatens the species.

The Hippopotamus is already listed as an Appendix II species, which means that they are not in danger of extinction, but could become so in the next few years if their plight does not improve.

Finally, the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) has already classified the species as vulnerable on its red list.

What role do hippos play in dispersing seeds and regenerating aquatic plants?

Like many other African species, the hippopotamus contributes in its own way to the balance of the ecosystem around it. Through its faeces, the hippopotamus encourages the flow of silicon into lakes and rivers. This mineral is no less vital for certain terrestrial and aquatic organisms (algae, diatoms, water sponges) than it is for climate balance. Indirectly, through plants, silica controls part of the carbon cycle and therefore certain carbon sinks.

how does it happen?

This distribution of silicon by hippopotamuses is easily explained by their lifestyle. They feed at night on dry land before returning to the water during the day, where they excrete their faeces. According to research, their faeces modulate up to 76% of the total flow of silicon, thereby promoting the development of the food web and carbon fixation.

Their presence is therefore essential to the survival of many plants and microplankton in Africa.

How do hippos communicate?

Ethnological studies in recent years have revealed some interesting facts about how hippos communicate.

Hippos use voice recognition to manage their group relationships.

The sound frequencies they emit tell them whether the animal in front of them is a stranger or not.

The animal responds in various ways. An approach, a cry or even a jet of excrement can be emitted in response to an animal’s call.

Throwing excrement allows them to mark their territory, as many animals would do.

Although the Hippopotamus appears to be idle during the day, it is actually when it is lurking in the water that it pays the most attention to its environment and the individuals in it.

Even more surprisingly, voice recognition also enables hippos to distinguish between their fellow hippos and the groups to which they belong. In this way, it could determine whether a hippopotamus on the riverbank belonged to a rival clan or to its own group.

Where can I see hippos in Congo Brazzaville?

The great efforts made by certain African countries to protect the hippopotamus have led to the creation of numerous reserves where the animal can be observed.

The Lefini reserve in the Republic of Congo and the Nouabalé-Ndoki national park are natural sites protected by the government where Hippos can be observed in their natural state.

During the safari cruises offered by Expéditions Ducret, it is possible to observe hippos in many places along the Congo or Sangha rivers.

What place do hippopotamuses occupy in African culture?

Given its age-old presence on African soil, the hippopotamus has been given a place in the continent’s stories and myths. These traditions, which are largely passed down through stories and tales, have given the animal a divine place.

It is the female animal in particular that has been given this honorary title. In African mythology, she was known as Tawaret, the goddess of fertility and childbirth in ancient Egypt.

This legend dates back to ancient Egypt. Tawaret, or Taouret as it is pronounced, meaning “the great one”, is a hippopotamus goddess standing on her lion-like hind legs and holding a hieroglyphic sign meaning “protection” in her human hands.

This hybrid appearance, a cross between different animals and humans, is intended to symbolise several aspects, such as fertility, but also the ferocity of a mother defending her son.

The obsidian knife that accompanies it in some of these representations symbolises fertility. The obsidian knife was once used to cut the umbilical cord.

Finally, its reddish-brown skin colour is thought to represent women’s menstruation.

Sailing on the Congo river, a unique experience

Discovering the Congo River

The Congo River is a Central African river that flows through the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Republic of Congo and Angola. With a length of 4,500 km, it is the second longest river in Africa after the Nile, and the second largest in the world in flow after the Amazon. It is also the deepest river in the world, at over 220m in some places. This imposing river serves as the natural border between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Congo.

The river takes its name from the Congo region. Now the region is divided into 2 countries (Congo Brazzaville and Congo Kinshasa), of which it is the natural border. The Portuguese were the first to refer to the river as Zaire, which means river. This name was later used to name the current Democratic Republic of Congo under President Mobutu. In 1997, the name of the DRC and the river were changed back to Congo.

The course of the Congo is segmented by alternating rapids, waterfalls and slack water. Its course initially runs northwards, then from the town of Kisangani in the DRC, westwards and south-westwards from the town of Mbandaka. The Congo River floods twice a year. The first flood is in September and October, when the rains fall north of the equator. The second flood is in March and April, when the tributaries south of the equator rise. Its reddish-brown color is due to the large amount of organic matter present in its waters.

Where is the Congo River located?

The Congo River rises in the Katanga region, in the south-east of the Democratic Republic of Congo. From its source to Kisangani, the upper reaches of the Congo River (Upper Congo) are known as the Lualaba. It then becomes the Congo (Middle Congo) and flows through the equatorial forest to Pool Malebo. This stretch of the river, which is almost 1,740 km long and free of obstacles, is used as a shipping route and as a link between towns. With its many tributaries. The main ones being the Oubangui, the Sangha and the Kwa-Kasaï, the Congo River gains in depth and power.

Between the Republic of Congo and the DRC, it widens to form the Pool Malebo, on whose banks the capitals of the two Congo are located : Brazzaville (Republic of Congo) and Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of Congo). Finally, downstream, after passing the Livingstone Falls, the river widens before flowing into the Atlantic. The river form an 80-kilometre-long estuary.

An unique ecosystem in the world

The Congo River plays a major role in the Central African ecosystem, flora and fauna largely dependent on it. Hundreds of species live together in this rich basin of biodiversity. The waters of the Congo River are home to a wide variety of fish species, as well as crocodiles and turtles. The riverbanks provide an ideal habitat for primates and birds.

The flora is also rich, with many tropical plant species and aquatic plants, including water hyacinth, water lilies and aquatic ferns.

The heart of economic and social life

As well as being a source of food for neighboring ethnic groups, the Congo River is an essential artery of communication and transport. The various ethnic groups in the region, including the ancient Bantus, already used it to travel and transport goods. The Congo River is therefore of economic importance to the regions along its banks, which are still poorly served by land routes. Congo river is used to transport goods by barge, mainly manioc, maize, groundnuts, palm oil and smoked fish.

Adapted boats

The river bed is highly irregular, with sandbanks creating a wide range of depths. So flat-bottomed boats are excellent for easy, year-round navigation. They are easy to fit out and suitable for navigation in shallow water, and are very stable in calm water. The characteristics of the Congo River make them the most widely used boats in the region for trade of all kinds.

Navigation on the Congo River

Congo River is navigable in sections because of its waterfalls and rapids. The river is subject to navigation rules and regular maintenance. These tasks are divided between Congo Brazzaville and the DRC.

The care, conservation and development of the waterways are entrusted to the Joint waterways maintenance service in the Republic of Congo and to the Riverways Direction in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The aim of river maintenance is to make navigation safer and more efficient. This is why the river is developed through buoyage (to make navigation safer by marking navigable passages). But also dredging (to maintain the channel by deepening or widening it but also to widen and deepen rocky corridors). And finaly hydrographic studies (to develop reliable navigation routes)

The history of exploration

The mouth of the Congo River was first explored in 1484 by the Portuguese sailor Diego Cam. But waterfalls 200km upstream prevented the expedition from venturing any further. It was in the early 1800s that the river was explored in greater detail by a British expedition. These discoveries have led to more accurate mapping and a census of the river’s various tributaries. Finally, Henry Morton Stanley’s expedition concluded the exploration of the river. He made the discovery of Upper Congo and Lualaba.

The Congo and its tributaries

The Congo River is fed by numerous tributaries. They contribute to its flooding at different times of the year. In the Upper Congo, its upper reaches are joined by two main tributaries, the Loufira and the Louapoula. From the Middle Congo onwards, the tributaries are more important. Some of them being navigable for kilometers and forming part of the extensive navigation network of the Congo region. These tributaries, which join the Congo River, increase its size and flow considerably. Its three main tributaries are the Kwa-Kasaï, the Oubangui and the Sangha. Sangha river is navigable as far as Ouesso, and its banks are dotted with villages and alternating forest and savannah.

A vast majority of the Congo River’s tributaries join its bed before reaching the Pool Malebo. From where the Congo’s tributaries become rarer and less important.

Why is the Congo River unique in the world?

A safari cruise on the Congo River is an exceptional experience because :

– Its length of 4500km makes it the second longest river in Africa and the 8th longest in the world.

– It is the deepest river in the world, at over 220m in some places.

– After the Amazon, it is the second largest river in the world for its flow.

– Its history is intimately linked to the history of Central Africa. 

– It is the guarantor of an ecosystem that is unique in the world.

– As the natural border between the DRC and the Republic of Congo, it is the scene of Congolese life.

– It is a unique way to discover and immerse yourself in the scenery of the Congo forest.

The indigenous peoples of the Congo Basin

The forest people

Better known as “pygmies”, the forest peoples or indigenous peoples live in the forests of the Congo Basin. The term “pygmy” was first used at the end of the 19th century, when explorers began to penetrate the interior of the central African basin. Its origins lie in the ancient Greek word vipugmaîos, meaning “as high as a fist”. In anthropology, pygmy peoples are defined as ethnic groups whose average height is exceptionally low. The average adult male is less than 150 cm tall.

The indigenous peoples of the Congo : the first inhabitants?

Later, they were referred to by local names such as “Batwa, Bambuti, Babinga”, which were used as synonyms or contiguous for “Pygmies”. This last term, often considered pejorative, has now been replaced by the term “indigenous people”. This term has its roots in the struggle for the rights of the indigenous peoples of Latin America. There is also debate about who is and who is not indigenous in Africa. It refers to the category of “first occupiers”. But who was the first occupant is much more difficult to establish in Africa than in America. We know that tribes in Africa, before colonization, always migrated for different reasons. It is therefore difficult to qualify some of them as “first inhabitants”. In Congo Brazzaville, it is forbidden to use the term “Pygmy”. It is considered an insult and is punishable under the Penal Code.

Indigenous peoples : a multitude of different groups scattered throughout the Congo Basin

Indigenous peoples are often defined as the small, nomadic forest dwellers of the Congo Basin who live by hunting and gathering. In reality, these populations form a multitude of different groups scattered throughout the Congo Basin. The size of these groups varies from several tens of thousands (Baka, Aka, Mbuti…) to less than 500 (Bedzan). They generally live in close contact with other non-pygmy communities and share their language.

Residing in the forested areas of Central and West Africa, the indigenous peoples are still trying to preserve their hunting culture, which has existed for thousands of years. They currently number around 900,000 people, most of whom live in the Congo Basin. Small communities also exist in neighboring countries such as Rwanda, Burundi and Zambia.

A 5,000-year-old culture

For thousands of years, they have roamed the forests of Central Africa with bows, nets and assegais, hunting and gathering to feed themselves, moving their camps according to the hunting grounds.  With their neighbors, the Bantu farmers, they have a bartering relationship, exchanging game and the products of gathering for tools and necessities, before returning to live in autarky under the forest canopy.

They have a long and difficult relationship with their Bantu neighbors. Their balanced bartering relationship was broken during the colonial era at the beginning of the 20th century. Today, indigenous families often work for a Bantu, and pygmy labor is used to meet the growing demand for timber and bushmeat. The Bantu will then ship the bushmeat to the town.

Lifestyle of the indigenous peoples (Pygmies)

Their way of life lasted for centuries, since the resources of the equatorial forest were sufficiently abundant: they built huts from the foliage; hunting pangolin, duiker – a small antelope – monkey, wild boar, etc. provided them with a meat diet and wild plums called safou as well as wild mangoes and nuts embellished their daily lives. Their knowledge of plants enabled them to cope with disease. As a people with an oral tradition, dance and song have always accompanied their way of life.

Traditional life of indigenous peoples

Aboriginal peoples live in groups ranging in size from 15 to 70 people, depending on external factors – the availability of game, trade relations with outside communities, the prevalence of disease and the size of the forest area. These groups are traditionally nomadic, moving to new parts of the forest several times a year and carrying all their possessions on their backs. Their nomadic lifestyle allows the group to move according to the availability of resources. This approach, combined with low population densities and a lack of encroachment by outsiders, has historically allowed wildlife populations to recover after a group has abandoned an area.

A semi-nomadic people of the Congo

When indigenous peoples establish a temporary camp, they generally clear the undergrowth, small trees and saplings, leaving the canopy trees intact. Under the canopy, forest dwellers are protected from the intense tropical sun and maintain a habitat for honey-producing bees and game. By leaving the canopy intact, the area can quickly revert to a healthy, productive forest after they leave. Their huts superficially resemble the igloos of the Inuit of the central Arctic, with a domed lattice of saplings and walls of shingled tree leaves.

Close to Bantu villages

Most African forest dwellers traditionally spend a large part of the year near a village where they exchange bushmeat, honey and labour for cassava, vegetables, metal products and cloth. According to anthropologists who have studied the dynamics between forest peoples and villagers, it is common for a forest family to establish a symbiotic relationship with a sedentary village family. These relationships between a single forest family and a single village family can persist for generations.

 

The organization of pygmy societies

In indigenous societies, the roles of men and women are traditionally distinct. Women do most of the gathering, carrying baskets on their backs. Men concentrate on hunting and harvesting honey. Honey is often the most prized and sought-after forest product among the indigenous peoples. They climb up to 30 metres into the canopy to reach the hives containing honey. Once at the hive, the climbers burn wood to produce smoke that stuns the bees, allowing the honey to be harvested.

The role of hunting among pygmies

Indigenous peoples depend on hunting for their main source of protein. Each forest group has its own technique. For example, the Efe hunt their prey almost exclusively with bows and arrows. Others use a combination of bows, arrows and nets to capture their prey. The BaAka are perhaps the best-known net hunters. The BaAka men arrange them in a semi-circle to form a wall, up to a kilometer long. The BaAka women throw the game into the nets, where the men use spears to kill the animals.

While indigenous peoples have generally lived within the carrying capacity of the local ecosystem, the growing bushmeat trade is altering the sustainability of hunting practices. Demand for bushmeat is increasing in villages, urban centers and even foreign markets. African forest peoples are sometimes hired as trackers for elephant poachers.

Belief in the afterlife

While preserving their belief in animism in general, Pygmies believe that everything in nature has a spirit as well as a material existence, and that every object is controlled by a spirit.

As they believe in the afterlife and the spirits of their ancestors everywhere, they hide their dead in tree bark or caves. It is also possible to find Muslims and Christians among the Pygmies who have come into contact with settled life in recent years.

The future of indigenous peoples

Internal migration, logging, the depletion of resources due to over-hunting, and confrontation with the modern world have led to a deterioration of the traditional habitat and a change in mentality. These rapid changes are leading to a rapid erosion of the indigenous peoples culture, making it difficult for them to adapt and redefining their future.

Link : https://www.geo.fr/voyage/centrafrique-etre-pygmee-aujourd-hui-162717

Top 10 of the best things to see on a safari in the Congo

Safari in Congo: The 10 best things to see

A safari in the Congo means experiencing the country’s unique atmosphere. Between the hustle and bustle of Brazzaville and the unreal calm of the Sangha forest, a change of scenery is guaranteed. Each region has its share of entertainment and attractions, while offering a wide variety of landscapes. So here are the top 10 things to see on a Congo Safari.

1 - Brazzaville, a sensational city

Brazzaville is the capital of the Republic of Congo, situated on the right bank of the Congo River. Unmissable and emblematic, Brazzaville is a colorful and verdant city, the ideal starting point for a Congo Safari. It stretches over 10 kilometers and faces its big sister Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Brazzaville is a bustling city, but not one that attracts many tourists, which is what makes it so authentic. The city of Brazzaville alone offers an interesting range of possibilities, with its museums, picturesque markets, old quarters and ceramics and sculpture workshops. Among the many monuments and tourist attractions you can discover are the Basilica of Sainte-Anne du Congo, the Sacré-Coeur cathedral, the Poto-Poto painting school, the sculpture and ceramics workshops scattered around the city, as well as the markets and old quarters. The Mungali Bakongo and Poto Poto districts are particularly lively, and will immerse you in the Congolese atmosphere from the moment you arrive.

2 - A remarkable environment : the Congo Basin

The Congo Basin is one of the largest expanses of equatorial forest in the world. An essential site for a Congo Safari, it stretches over six countries and is considered to be the planet’s second green lung after the Amazon forest. For over 50,000 years, the Congo Basin has played a major role in the region, providing vital resources for almost 75 million people.

The trinational Sangha site is located in the north-east of the Congo Basin and straddles three countries: Cameroon, the Central African Republic and the Republic of Congo. It comprises three national parks covering an area of 750,000 hectares. The special feature of this site is its high level of conservation, which has enabled it to preserve a pristine, untouched natural environment that promises an enchanting experience on a Congo Safari.

For example, the Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park is located in Congo-Brazzaville, north of Ouesso, and forms part of the Trinational Sangha site with the Dzanga Sangha Park in the Central African Republic and the Lobéké Park in Cameroon. At the heart of the Nouabalé-Ndoki park lies Mbeli Baï, a veritable haven of peace. This 13-hectare marshy clearing is home to populations of elephants, buffalo and gorillas, as well as thousands of birds.

3 - Meeting the people of the Congo

A safari in the Congo is also an opportunity to immerse yourself in Congolese culture and traditions.

The Congo is home to a myriad of different peoples, depending on the region. In the northern forests, indigenous populations such as the BaAka pygmies still inhabit the Congo Basin forest. Although no systematic census has yet been carried out, in 1984 it was estimated that they represented around 2.29% of the population. The indigenous peoples of the Congo Basin region have lived in the primary forests for thousands of years. The pygmies are one of the last indigenous populations of this African forest. With forest exploitation and modernization, their cultures and traditions are threatened with extinction. Once semi-nomadic, many of these communities have now become sedentary.

4 – A unique flora

A safari in Congo Brazzaville is also an opportunity to discover some unusual flora. The Congo Forest, also known as the Congo Basin Forest, is characteristic of a forest in its purest state, untouched by any trace of human activity. Covering 180 million hectares in six Central African countries, it is home to a number of emblematic plant and animal species.

Its humid tropical climate, with an average maximum temperature of 30°C and minimum of 21°C and abundant annual rainfall, makes it a region where vegetation is extremely prolific.

This forest is of great importance as it provides a large quantity of goods and services, and its value to the economy is undeniable, both as a source of primary materials and as a climate regulator.

Threatened by human construction, poaching and deforestation, it is a vulnerable region. That’s why preserving the forests of the Congo Basin is essential, vital even, for the future and the ecological balance of Africa and the world.

5 – An Emblematic African wildlife

The wildlife of Congo Brazzaville is extremely varied, particularly in the forest where the environment has remained very wild. The area is home to common and widespread species as well as much rarer species, some of which are even endangered.

On a Congo Safari, you can see African elephants, chimpanzees, bongos, lowland gorillas, okapis, bonobos, buffalo, hippos, fish, crocodiles, hundreds of different species of birds and much more. All these species live together in a great diversity of wildlife, preserved thanks to its many ecosystems (Baï, forest, savannah).

6 - The Congo River and the Sangha River

Congo Brazzaville is also rich in rivers, starting with the Congo River. At 4,700 km (2,922 miles) long, it is the second longest river in Africa after the Nile, and the 8th longest in the world. It rises in the highlands of the Democratic Republic of Congo and flows through three countries before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean. It is this river and its many tributaries that feed the world’s second largest tropical rainforest.

The Livingstone Falls in the DRC prevent navigation on the river from the sea. But the river remains navigable in sections, and in particular between Kinshasa and Kisangani, which represents a navigable corridor of 2,495 km, ideal for exploring on a safari or cruise. Much of Central Africa’s trade flows via the river and the surrounding railways.

The river provides running water and food for the people living along its banks on a daily basis. With its large flow, the river is also a source of hydroelectric power, exploited by a number of dams.

The Sangha River is 790 km long. It rises in Cameroon and flows into the Central African Republic and the Republic of Congo. Easily navigable, the river flows through the forest of the Congo Basin, and its banks can be explored on the Expéditions Ducret cruises from Brazzaville to Ouesso.

7 - Dive into the immensity of the Loufoulakari Falls

Loufoulakari and Bela are waterfalls located in the south-west of the country, 75km south of Brazzaville. They are the most impressive waterfalls in the country and offer a beautiful view of the Congolese rainforest. An exceptional landscape, the falls are 291m above sea level. In a grandiose setting, the power of nature is revealed in a pool of greenery.

8 - Discover the breathtaking scenery of the Gorge de Diosso

Also known as the “Grand Canyon of the Congo”. An ideal stop-off point on a Congo safari, this natural curiosity was carved out by the rains of the Atlantic coast. The gorge is decorated by rocky ridges and red rock cliffs up to 50 m high, overlooking a valley with abundant vegetation.

9 - The Atlantic coast

To the west, on the Atlantic coast, lies the country’s second city, Pointe-Noire, the economic capital. Its deep-water port and oil reserves have helped to make the city a center of entertainment, business opportunities, fashion and cultural exchange.

The wild coastline close to the city boasts a number of heavenly beaches that attract families, including the Pointe Indienne beach, an ideal day trip away from the city. The Atlantic coast offers waves that will delight surfers.

You can also spot migrating whales between July and September. The whales migrate from the Antarctic to the Gulf of Guinea in July to give birth and then return to the cool waters of the south until the end of September. It is also possible to observe turtles laying their eggs between September and April.

The waters of the region are extremely well-stocked with fish, and fishing enthusiasts will be delighted.

10 - The enigmatic Trou de Nguela

The Trou de Nguela, or God’s Hole, 80 kilometers from Brazzaville, is a large basin with steep slopes covered in grass and shrubs, with a small relief in the center. While the reasons for this atypical formation remain a mystery, the landscape remains a unique and atypical place and is home to a ‘sacred’ site for pilgrims.

Discover the landscapes of the Republic of Congo

The landscapes of the Republic of Congo

Despite its many natural assets, such as its tropical forest, fine sandy beaches and exceptional landscapes, the Congo has not yet become a popular tourist destination for travelers. Still little-known, it remains an exclusive destination for nature lovers and adventurers in search of unforgettable sensations.

Tourist activities in the Congo are still underdeveloped, but real efforts are being made to develop the tourism sector. For the moment, the majority of offers concern top-of-the-range services that guarantee the preservation of such a sensitive environment.

The Republic of Congo is a Central African country surrounded by 5 other countries : Angola, Cameroon, Gabon, the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Central African Republic. With a surface area of 342,000 km2 and located on either side of the equator, the Congo provides a wide variety of landscapes.

Between the hustle and bustle of the cities, the coastal landscapes and the calm of the forest, travelers can discover the lush Congolese countryside on a safari or a cruise on the Congo River. This is the richness of the Congo, a country with many atmospheres that will take you on a journey through many landscapes.

A region subject to geographical and climatic factors

The equatorial regions are subject to a hot, humid climate, characterized by abundant rainfall throughout the year. Located astride the equator, the Congo has an equatorial climate in the north and a more tropical climate in the southern parts of the country.

The equator crosses the country at the town of Makoua. This is why the north of the country is largely covered by dense, humid forest, symptomatic of an equatorial climate. While the southern part of the country has a sub-equatorial, tropical climate, with savannah and less dense forests.

Let yourself be carried away by the urban frenzy

With just over 5 million inhabitants, the population is predominantly urban. In fact, 60% of Congolese citizens live between Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire. In addition 10% of the population live along the railway line that links the two cities.

Congo has a population density of 16 inhabitants per square kilometer. The population is very unevenly distributed between the country’s different regions. The rural regions of the south are more densely populated than those of the north. Indeed, they are largely covered by the Congo forest, making them hostile areas.

There are few urban landscapes in the Republic of Congo, a country largely covered by natural areas. Although some areas can be described as human deserts. Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire stand out in this green setting. The two cities are immersed in a daily hustle and bustle that highlights Congolese culture. Thus they allows visitors to discover the Republic of Congo from a more urban perspective.

The gentle terrain of Congo-Brazzaville

The relief is moderate in the Congo, with no snow-capped mountain ranges as in some neighboring countries. Nevertheless, it is possible to distinguish 3 types of relief.

Firstly, the plains. These are located mainly in the west between the coast and the Niari valley and in the north-west of the country with the Congolese basin, a generally marshy setting. 

The rest of the country is made up mainly of plateau and hills with an average height of around 860m. The regions with more moderate relief are generally made up of savannah or forest.

Finally, the medium mountains are located in the south-west of Congo Brazzaville. There, you will find the Chaillu massif whose highest points are Mont Bigourou and Mont de la Mayombe. The hills are located in the south-east of the country. The highest point in the Republic of Congo is Mont Nabemba, at 1,020m. It is located in the sparsely populated north-western region of the Sangha department.

A country with magnificent vegetation

In the Congo, the distribution of vegetation is influenced by the relief.

This is why, in the north, the vegetation consists essentially of an equatorial forest, the Congo forest. This is a tropical rainforest with flooded areas. Extremely dense, it is one of the last habitats of the pygmy populations.

Once south of the equator, the vegetation gradually thins out, giving way to the savannah with its tall grasses dotted with groves. The savannah covers 30% of the country and is mainly located between the Niari valley in the west of the country and the central plateau.

In the south-west, the forest takes precedence once again, mainly in the Mayombe chain and the Massif Chaillu. In the south-east, in the hills, there are large pastures.

This vegetation is specific to the Congolese region. This is why a safari or cruise in the Congo is an opportunity to plunge into exotic and exhilarating settings and reach the heart of Central Africa, deep and wild.

The equatorial forest, emblem of Central Africa

Around two-thirds of Congo Brazzaville is covered in forest. This represents 21 million hectares of forest cover. The remaining third of the country is divided between savannah and forest massifs. A real carbon sink, the Congo forest is characteristic of the tropical rainforests found in equatorial regions.

Two types of landscape predominate in the forest. The dry forest, which is lighter, with trees over 40m tall and a rich undergrowth and the flooded forest, characterized by its marshy waters, high density and low trees. It is located in alluvial areas, often close to watercourses.

Congo Brazzaville is the 15th most forested country in the world, covering 70% of its territory.

This dense forest cover is home to over 400 species of mammals, as well as almost 10,000 plant species.

The Congo has 4 national parks, all located in the Congo Forest. The purpose of these parks is to ensure the preservation of the Congolese flora and fauna. These protected areas are home to endangered species such as antelopes, hippopotamus, buffalos, gorillas and chimpanzees.

Since the early 2000s, the Congo has been conducting joint operations with UNESCO to maintain and preserve the environment. In particular, the civil authorities ensure that the laws on logging and poaching are respected. In all, 13% of the country’s surface area is classified as a protected area. Action to conserve natural sites primarily concerns national parks. This is why the Sangha trinational site has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2012.

Congo, a country of land and water

Congo’s equatorial climate makes it a humid country. The region is watered all year round by abundant tropical rainfall, which feeds the rivers and ponds.

The Congo also has an extensive hydrographic network. The country is crisscrossed by rivers and is home to two river basins. To be precise : the Congo Basin in the north and the Kouilou Basin in the south. The country is also bordered along its entire eastern border by the Congo River, Africa’s second largest river. In addition, the region is crossed by one of its main tributaries, the Sangha River.

These equatorial features offer travelers the chance to discover unique landscapes that are unique to equatorial countries. Those particular conditions provide a home for an extremely well-developed fauna.

The aquatic landscapes are particularly pleasant to discover on a safari cruise.

A paradise coast

In the south-west of the country, the Republic of Congo has access to the Atlantic Ocean with a 170 km-long coastline. The coast, lined with lagoons and mangroves, is an ideal destination for enjoying fine sandy beaches. Pointe Indienne beach being one of the best known.

Also on the coast is Pointe Noire, the country’s second-largest city and the economic capital of Congo Brazzaville.

Further south, still on the coast, lies the Mayombe region, with its craggy reliefs sometimes reaching 800m in height. At the heart of this massif lies Mount Berongou, culminating at 903m.

This oceanic landscape is not what you expect when you think of Central Africa. And yet the Congo is both a Central African country and a destination lined with heavenly beaches.

FOREST ELEPHANT

Fleuve Congo elephant

The origins of the forest elephant

The forest elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis) has long been considered a subspecies of the savannah elephant. Scientists have finally decided. It is indeed a distinct species as DNA analyzes have shown. However, the two species can interbreed and produce hybrids.

According to paleogenetics, the savannah and forest elephants of Africa separated around 5 to 2 million years ago. For the past 500,000 years, they have lived isolated from each other and have not crossed paths. DNA analysis of the straight-tusked forest elephant (Paleoloxodon antiquus), which lived in Europe 120,000 years ago, has shown that Loxodonta cyclotis is closest to it, and not the savannah elephant.

The height at the withers of the forest elephant is on average 2.40 m. It is therefore much smaller than the elephants living in the savannah (3.50 m). The forest elephant also has thicker brown hair and rounded ears. As its name suggests, the African forest elephant lives in the rainforests of Africa and plays an important role in the seed dispersal of many plants.

The African forest elephant inhabits the forests of the Congo Basin

The African forest elephant is native to the rainforests of West Africa and the Congo Basin. It is the smallest of the three living elephant species. Both sexes have straight, downward-pointing tusks, which burst when they are 1–3 years old. It lives in family groups of up to 20 individuals.

Its diet consists of leaves, seeds, fruits and tree bark. It contributes significantly to the maintenance of the composition and structure of the Guinean forests of West Africa and the Congolese rainforests.
The first scientific description of the species was published in 1900. Over the course of the 20th century, overhunting led to a sharp decline in the population, and in 2013 it was estimated that fewer than 30,000 individuals remained.

The conservation status of populations varies between range countries. As of 2021, the species is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. The ‘critically endangered’ forest elephant

A "critically endangered" species

It is threatened by habitat loss, fragmentation and poaching. The ivory trade to Asia is the primary cause of the illegal killing of elephants. The African savannah elephant, its cousin, is considered “endangered”. The forest elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis), smaller than its savannah cousin, lives mainly in the forests of Central and West Africa. Its population has dropped by 86% in 30 years and it is now considered critically endangered. For its part, the savannah elephants (Loxodonta africana) have seen their population reduced by at least 60% in the last 50 years, and are classified as “endangered”.

Forest Elephant Behavior

Much information about the forest elephant’s lifestyle comes from animals in the Dzanga Sangha Conservation Area, where corresponding studies were initiated in 1990. Like the savannah elephant, the forest elephant is a social animal. On average, a herd consists of three individuals. In the area of forest clearings, which represent important social contact points, larger herds of 20 to 100 animals may also gather. However, they disintegrate again relatively quickly. This social system, known as fission-fusion, is also found in the savannah African elephant. In contrast, forest elephant groups are smaller and less stable, which is related to the lower distribution of potential predators in dense forests.

Size of groups

The size of family groups can vary depending on the habitat. For example, in Odzala National Park in the Republic of Congo, herds with fewer individuals on average than in more open landscapes have been observed. Also unlike the savannah elephant, forest elephant males rarely form bachelor groups, but younger males sometimes live communally. The males carry out their social competitions and struggles for dominance especially in the clearings. There are also solitary elephants of both sexes and almost all age groups. The forest elephant is active during the day, resting for about four hours a day. A shorter resting phase takes place during the day, a longer one at night. According to observations in the Dzanga Sangha Conservation Area, the greatest activity takes place between 12:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.

Area of habitat zone

The main circadian rhythm consists of searching for food and migrating to the different activity zones. Individual animals travel up to 25 km in 48 hours, but on the whole the migratory movements do not last as long as for the savannah elephant. During its travels, the forest elephant creates paths that extend over several kilometers and connect the various activity points with each other. Well-used trails can be more than 1 m wide. Herds and solitaries use activity zones that cover an area of 500 km² and more. The average home range size, based on more than a dozen individuals examined, is about 713 km² in the Wonga Wongué Presidential Reserve in Gabon. Male animals move on average over an area of 965 km², which is almost three times larger than that of females with 354 km². In the Congo Basin, animals change daily between different types of vegetation: from tropical rainforests to open grasslands. As a result, they travel about 7 to 8 km in 24 hours, which corresponds to an annual migration of 2840 km. They spend two-thirds of their time in tropical rainforests. The rest of their time in open grassy areas. The forests are mainly visited during the day during the period of sunshine, which is why the animals mainly choose areas with a high density of trees and brush.

Forest elephant communication system

Communication between forest elephants occurs via different vocalizations. Like other elephants, the forest elephant also has excellent hearing and is able to make and perceive low frequency sounds down to 5 Hz. most common of the forest elephant. It serves in particular to communicate between them, to locate the members of the herd and to coordinate the common migration. Low frequency sounds allow communication over long distances. In addition to the well-known trumpeting, there is a whole palette of higher frequency sounds. Most combined sounds are emitted at night. During the Expeditions Ducret, we suggest you spend a night on the edges of a clearing frequented by elephants. You will then be able to witness the intense communication of elephants at night. Find more information on the safari cruises page.

BIRDS OF THE CONGO BASIN

Turaco of Congo Basin

Birds of the Congo Basin

The Republic of Congo is a Central African country known for its high biodiversity, including its richness in bird species. It is estimated that there are more than 800 species of birds in Congo Basin, including about 700 in the Republic of Congo alone.

The Republic of the Congo is home to a great diversity of bird species, several of which are emblematic of the region. Here are a few :

The African gray parrot (Psittacus erithacus): The African gray parrot is a gregarious species of parrot, very intelligent and capable of learning many words and expressions. It is widespread throughout Congo Basin, including the Republic of Congo, where it is often kept as a pet.

The turaco is a colorful and emblematic bird of the region, easily recognizable thanks to its bright plumage. The turaco is a medium-sized sub-Saharan African bird. There are 18 species of turaco, which are mainly distinguished by the marking on the face.

The silver-cheeked ground hornbill (Bycanistes brevis): The silver-cheeked ground hornbill is a species of hornbill that is endemic to Congo Basin, including the Republic of Congo. It is easily recognizable by its black head and neck, white chest and massive beak.

African Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer): The African Fish Eagle is a large species of eagle found throughout sub-Saharan Africa, including the Congo Basin. It is often seen hunting fish near streams and lakes.

African Swift (Apus barbatus): The African Swift is a species of migratory bird that overwinters in Africa, including the Republic of Congo. It is easily recognized by its swift and graceful flight, and is often seen in large numbers in the sky.

The African gray parrot (Psittacus erithacus)

The African gray parrot, also known as the jaco parrot, is a gregarious parrot species native to sub-Saharan Africa, including the Republic of Congo. It is one of the most popular parrot species as a pet bird in the world, due to its intelligence and ability to learn words and phrases.

The African gray parrot is a large bird, measuring about 33 centimeters in length and weighing between 400 and 650 grams. Its plumage is mostly gray, with a red tail and dark wings. Young parrots have a shorter beak and lighter plumage color than adults.

These parrots are very social and need interaction with humans and other parrots to be happy and healthy. They are also very intelligent and can learn many words and expressions, as well as tricks and behaviors.

The African gray parrot is a protected species due to loss of its natural habitat and illegal hunting for the pet trade. Conservation efforts aim to protect the natural habitats of parrots, as well as raise awareness of parrot conservation issues and encourage captive breeding rather than capture of wild parrots.

 

The turaco

The turaco is one of the colorful and emblematic birds that can be found in the forests of Central Africa, especially in the Congo.

The turaco is easily recognizable thanks to their bright plumage. Males and females have similar colors, but males tend to have taller crests than females. The turaco also has red eyes, a unique feature among birds.

These birds mainly live in dense forests and wooded areas, where they feed mainly on fruits, leaves and flowers. They are also known for their loud, melodious call, which is often used to communicate with other turacos.

The green turaco is characterized by bright light green plumage. Its tail is long and its head furnished with a colorful crest-like crest. It has a bright red, robust, curved beak with a black tip. The green turaco has short and rounded wings, red markings are uncovered when they are deployed. The lower back, legs, feet and tail are dark.

Its size is 43 cm long with the tail. Its weight varies from 220 g to 300 g. However, the great blue turaco can measure up to 75 cm.

Although turacos are considered relatively common in their natural habitat, their population is threatened by habitat destruction and hunting for their meat and feathers. As a result, they are classified as ‘special concern’ on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.

The silver-cheeked ground hornbill (Bycanistes brevis)

The hornbill is a species of bird in the family Bucerotidae, which is endemic to central Africa, including the Republic of Congo. It is easily recognizable by its black and white plumage, black head and neck, white chest and large helmet-like beak.

Silver-cheeked ground hornbills are large birds, measuring between 70 and 75 cm in length and weighing up to 2 kg. They feed mainly on fruits, but can also eat insects, small mammals and reptiles.

These birds are known for their aggressive territorial behavior, with loud calls and threatening bill movements when feeling threatened or defending their territory. Males and females work together to build their nest, which is often built in hollow trees or tree trunks.

The silver-cheeked ground hornbill is threatened by the loss of its natural habitat due to deforestation, as well as illegal hunting for meat and the illegal pet trade. Conservation of this species includes protecting its natural habitat and raising public awareness of the conservation importance of silver-cheeked ground hornbills.

African fish eagle

It is also known as the sea eagle, is a species of eagle that is widely distributed in the wetlands of sub-Saharan Africa, including the Republic of Congo. As its name suggests, this bird specializes in catching fish, but can also feed on other aquatic animals such as turtles, crocodiles or frogs.

The African fish eagle is a large predatory bird, measuring about 60 to 75 centimeters in length and weighing between 2.5 and 4 kilograms. Its plumage is dark brown with a distinctive white head and a hooked, powerful beak. Young birds have a different appearance, with dark brown feathers on the head and body, and less hooked beak than adults.

These eagles are known for their territorial behavior and impressive aerial acrobatics, which include rapid descents and spectacular dives. They are also efficient predators, capable of grabbing fish weighing up to 2 kilograms in flight or while diving into the water.

The African fish eagle is an endangered species due to the destruction of its natural habitat, pollution of wetlands and illegal hunting for the pet trade. Conservation efforts for this species include protecting natural habitats and raising public awareness of fish eagle conservation issues.

African swift (Apus barbatus)

The swift is a migratory bird present in sub-Saharan Africa, including the Republic of Congo. It is a medium-sized bird, measuring about 17 to 19 centimeters in length and weighing between 35 and 55 grams. Its plumage is mainly black, with green highlights on the upper parts of the body.

African Swift feeds mainly on insects, which it catches in flight. It spends most of its life in flight, landing only to nest and sleep. They are very fast birds, capable of flying at speeds of up to 120 km/h.

These birds are known for their gregarious behavior, with large flocks of kingfishers flying in formation. They often nest in rocky areas, cliffs and buildings, constructing their nest from materials such as mud, twigs and feathers.

The African swift is considered a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), as it has a wide geographic distribution and a stable population. However, the degradation of the natural habitat, pollution and collisions with buildings can threaten the survival of this species.

Where to observe birds on safari cruises on the Congo and Sangha rivers?

Daily in groups of 8 people, passengers leave on motor tenders to explore the tributaries or land on dry land. Our ornithologist guide will take you to the best places to observe the birds of the Congo Basin. Each year, a special ornithologist cruise will be organised. Find out more about the Ducret Expeditions Congo cruise itinerary.

BONGOS

Bongo Congo

The Bongos

The bongos are a species of African antelope that live mainly in the tropical rainforests of central and western Africa. This antelope has a unique appearance with white stripes and spots on its reddish-brown coat, as well as spiral horns that can reach up to a meter in length.

The bongo is a solitary and inconspicuous animal, which moves slowly and silently through dense forests in search of food. They are primarily herbivorous, feeding on leaves, fruits and young shoots, and they are able to graze on tall plants thanks to their long, slender legs.

They are also known for their territorial behavior and aggression towards other males. Males defend their territory by using their horns to fight other males seeking to invade their territory or take their place. However, they are also vulnerable to predators such as leopards, lions and hyenas.

Unfortunately, bongo populations are threatened by habitat loss due to deforestation, as well as by hunting for their meat and horns. Bongos are also vulnerable to disease and parasites, which has contributed to their declining population in the wild.

Conservation programs have been put in place to help protect bongo populations and their habitat. Zoos around the world also participate in captive breeding programs to help maintain a viable captive population of this rare and beautiful species

In what environment do they live?

Bongos live mainly in the tropical rainforests of Central and West Africa. They can be found in countries such as Cameroon, Central African Republic, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Liberia.

These antelopes have a preference for dense forest areas, where they can find dense ground cover to hide and feed. They move slowly and silently through the forest, avoiding open areas and preferring shaded areas and streams.

Bongos need intact forest habitat for their survival, as they depend on dense vegetation for food and protection from predators. However, deforestation and habitat fragmentation have reduced bongo populations in many parts of their natural range.

Efforts are underway to protect rainforests and bongo habitat, as well as to study and monitor populations of this endangered species. Zoos and captive conservation facilities also play an important role in bongo preservation, participating in captive breeding programs to maintain a viable captive population of this rare and fascinating species.

When to observe bongos?

They are discreet and shy animals that are generally difficult to observe in the wild. Since they prefer dense forest areas, they are often hidden under ground cover and only come out during periods of low light or at night.

However, it is possible to observe bongos in protected areas, national parks or nature reserves that are home to bongo populations. These areas provide suitable habitat for bongos and may provide opportunities for wildlife viewing.

In some Central and West African countries, bush safaris are offered to observe wildlife, including bongos. These safaris are usually led by experienced guides who know the habits and behaviors of animals in their natural habitat.

It is important to note that the conservation of bongos is crucial to preserve this rare and magnificent species. It is therefore essential not to disturb wild populations of bongos by hunting them or disturbing their natural habitat. Bongo sightings should be done responsibly, respecting the rules and regulations of protected areas and avoiding any disturbance or impact on wildlife.

How do they feed?

Bongos are herbivores and feed mainly on leaves, young shoots, fruits, fungi and mosses. They have a preference for plants rich in protein and minerals, such as woody plants, shrubs and vines.

They have a particular anatomical adaptation for their diet. Their tongue is very long, allowing them to reach high up leaves, while their neck is long and flexible, allowing them to feed on the leaves and branches of trees.

They are also known for their ability to consume poisonous plants which are avoided by other herbivores. This adaptation is possible thanks to their long digestive tract, which allows them to break down and absorb nutrients from poisonous plants.

However, food availability can vary greatly with seasons and climatic conditions, and bongos may have to move to find food. Bongos are animals that can travel great distances to find food sources, which can lead them to cross open areas where they are more vulnerable to predators.

The conservation of rainforests is therefore crucial to ensure the continued availability of adequate food for bongos and other animals that depend on this forest habitat.

What are their characteristics?

Bongos are large antelopes that are distinguished by their unique coat and particular morphology. Here are some of their main features:

Size and weight: they are the largest forest antelopes, with a height of up to 1.4 meters at the withers for males and a weight of 250 to 400 kg. The females are a little smaller than the males.

Coat: The coat is very distinctive, with white and black stripes on a red-brown background. This coloration serves as camouflage in their dense forest habitat. The stripes of the bongos are also very useful for identifying them individually.

Morphology: Bongos have long, slender legs, which allow them to move easily in the dense forest and jump over obstacles. Their necks are long and flexible, which allows them to reach leaves and branches high up. They also have spiral horns in both sexes, with the horns of males being longer and thicker than those of females.

Behaviour: Bongos are shy and solitary animals, although females may gather in small groups with their young. They are mainly active in the early morning and late evening, and spend most of the day resting and feeding. Bongos are also known for their ability to hide and stay still for long periods of time, which makes them difficult to spot in the wild.

Geographical distribution: They are present in Central and West Africa, inhabiting the dense and humid forests of the region. They are considered an endangered species due to habitat loss and overhunting.

How do they communicate?

Bongos have a sophisticated communication system, although they are rather solitary and inconspicuous animals. They use visual and sound signals to communicate with each other, in particular to establish their territory and to signal themselves in case of danger.

Males mainly use sound signals to communicate with other males and to establish their territory. They produce growls, proboscis and hisses to mark their presence and warn other males not to approach. Females also use sound signals to communicate with their young and to warn other bongos of the presence of predators.

Bongos also use visual cues to communicate, including their striped coat which serves as camouflage in their dense forest habitat. They may also wave their tails to indicate their state of mind, or raise the hair on their backs to appear larger and more threatening.

Finally, they also use their sense of smell to communicate, especially to mark their territory with scent glands located on their head and feet.

Although bongos are rather discreet animals, their sophisticated communication system allows them to stay in contact with other members of their social group and to signal potential dangers.

Reproduction

Bongos have a year-round breeding season, but they tend to breed more during the rainy season. Males and females reach sexual maturity at 2 to 3 years of age.

Male seek to attract females by producing loud grunts and sounds, rubbing against trees or bushes, and urinating on vegetation to mark their territory. Males generally must establish dominance over other males before they can mate with females.

When a male and female meet, they sniff and lick each other. The gestation of bongos lasts about 9 months, after which the female gives birth to a single young, which weighs about 20 kg at birth. Females raise their young alone, without the help of the male, and nurse their young for about 6 months. Little bongos can stand and start walking soon after birth, but they remain dependent on their mother for several months.

Bongos are very secretive and shy animals, which makes it difficult to observe their reproductive behavior in the wild. In captivity, however, bongos have been successfully bred in captive breeding programs to help increase the population of this endangered species.

Where can we observe the Bongos during the Ducret Expeditions?

Dzanga Bai within Dzanga Sangha National Park attracts large herds of bongos throughout the year and is certainly the best place to view bongos.

During Ducret Expeditions cruises, it is possible to add a day to travel to the Central African Republic and admire the rich fauna of the Baï de Dzanga Sangha.

CONGO BASIN FOREST

Congo Basin forest, forêt du bassin du Congo

The Congo Basin forest

The Congo is the second largest river on Earth by volume, draining an area of 3.7 million square kilometers (1.4 million square miles) known as the Congo Basin. Much of the basin is covered in rich tropical rainforests and swamps. Together, these ecosystems make up the bulk of the Central African rainforest, which at 178 million hectares (2005) is the second largest rainforest in the world. A mosaic of forests, savannahs, swamps, rivers and flooded forests, the Congo Basin forest teems with life.

Endangered species, such as forest elephants, chimpanzees, bonobos, and lowland and mountain gorillas inhabit these lush forests. For over 50,000 years, the Congo Basin has provided food, water and shelter to over 75 million people. Nearly 150 distinct ethnic groups live together. Among them, the indigenous peoples, such as the Ba’Aka who are the most illustrious representatives of an ancestral way of life of hunter-gatherers whose survival is intimately linked to the forest.

A forest straddling the country

While nine countries (Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Congo, Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zambia) have part of their territory in the Congo Basin, six countries with extensive forest cover are generally associated with the Congo rainforest: Cameroon, Central African Republic, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Equatorial Guinea and Gabon. (Technically, most of Gabon and parts of the Republic of the Congo lie within the Ogoué River Basin, while much of Cameroon lies within the Sangha River Basin). Of these six countries, the DRC contains the largest area of tropical forest, with 107 million hectares, representing 60 percent of the forest cover of the Central African lowlands.

Globally significant biodiversity

The Congo basin forest includes more than 600 species of trees, 10,000 species of tropical plants, 30% of which are unique to the region, 400 species of mammals, 1,000 species of birds and 700 species of fish. Some of its most famous residents include forest elephants, gorillas, chimpanzees, bongos, okapis (small forest giraffes), leopards, hippos and lions. These species play an important role in shaping the character of their forest habitat. For example, researchers found that forests in Central Africa generally have taller trees but a lower density of small trees than forests in the Amazon or Borneo. The reason for this is that elephants, gorillas and large herbivores keep the density of small trees very low through predation, reducing competition for large trees. But in areas where these animals have been decimated by hunting, forests tend to be shorter and denser with more small trees. It is therefore not surprising that the ancient forests of Central Africa store huge volumes of carbon in their vegetation and tree trunks (39 billion tones, according to a 2012 study), serving as an important buffer against the climate change.

Congo Basin forest climat

The tropical climate is characterized by heavy rainfall, high temperatures and high humidity. The Republic of Congo is crossed by the equator. In the north, the dry season extends from November to March and the rainy season from April to October, while in the south it is the reverse. On both sides of the equator local climates exist with two dry seasons and two wet seasons. Annual precipitation is abundant throughout the country, but seasonal and regional variations are significant. Rainfall averages more than 1,200 mm per year, and exceeds 2,000 mm in some areas. Temperatures are relatively stable, with little variation between seasons, between 20 and 30 degrees throughout the year. Between day and night, the temperature difference is on average around 15°C. The average daily humidity is around 80%.

Ethnic groups in the Republic of Congo

About half of the inhabitants of the Congo identify with the Kongo peoples, whose main subgroups include the Sundi, Kongo, Lali, Kougni, Bembe, Kamba, Dondo, Vili and Yombe. The Ubangi peoples include the Makoua, Kouyou, Mboshi, Likouala, Ngala and Bonga. The Téké and the Sangha, or “Gabonese Bantu”, are also divided into subgroups. The Pygmies live in small groups, usually as clients of the surrounding agricultural populations. Of the Europeans who remained in the Congo before the civil war of the late 1990s – many of whom were French and resided in major cities – only a fraction remains.

Threats to the Congo basin rainforest

Central Africa’s rate of deforestation between 1990 and 2010 was the lowest of any major forest region in the world. However, deforestation has tended to increase during the 2010s with the expansion of industrial logging and the large-scale conversion of forests to agricultural land. In contrast, over the past 30 years, small-scale subsistence agriculture, land clearing for charcoal and firewood, urban expansion and mining have been the main drivers of deforestation. The opening of logging roads has given access to smallholders clearing land for agriculture while opening access to poachers.

The bushmeat trade is the main cause of wildlife extinction today. Monkeys and antelopes are easy targets, other protected species such as gorillas, bonobos, pangolins or elephants are also targeted. In less than a decade, 60% of the region’s forest elephant population has disappeared. In many countries, such as Congo Brazzaville, the work of eco-guards has greatly slowed down this phenomenon.

The greatest threats in the future for the Congo basin forest come from industrial plantations, in particular that of palm oil, rubber or sugar.