An explosion of life. Africa gives us another incredible discovery. 742 species of plants, invertebrates, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals previously unknown to the non-indigenous world have been identified, enriching the precious library of life that we call biodiversity.
This important news comes from the “lung of Africa”, the Congo Basinthanks to 10 years of investigations, carried out from 2013 to 2023 by hundreds of scientists from universities, conservation organizations and research institutes around the world. The result of this ten-year commitment is told in the new report “New Life in the Congo Basin: a Decade of Species Discoveries (2013 – 2023)”, which reminds us how important and necessary it is to protect one of the most vital and fragile ecosystems in the world.
A decade of “discoveries”
The Congo Basin extends across six countries: Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and Republic of Congo.
Gabon and the Democratic Republic of Congo lead the discoveries with 262 and 259 species respectively. This incredible number includes 430 plants, 140 invertebrates, 2 new birds and 10 mammals. Among the latter it stands out the Lesula monkeythe second new species of African ape discovered since 1984.
The research team also identified 22 new amphibians, including the Congolese giant toad (Sclerophrys channingi) which imitates the Gabonese viper to survive, and 42 reptiles. Of particular interest is the slender-snouted crocodile of Central Africa (Mecistops leptorhynchus), which genetic analysis has distinguished as a species in its own right.
The 430 new plant species also include ferns and flowering plants. Stands out Sirdavidia soleannonawhose name is a tribute to Sir David Attenborough. The Congo Basin is home to thousands of plant species, with over 30% endemic to the region.
A threatened ecosystem
WWF is actively working in five of the six Congo Basin countries to protect this vital ecosystem, which is threatened by the expansion of intensive agricultural activitiesthe timber industry and the construction of infrastructure, which are eroding the forest.
There illegal huntingFurthermore, it decimates wild animal populations, putting iconic species such as forest elephants and great apes at risk. THE climate changeswith the increase in temperatures and the variation in rainfall regimes, are altering the balance of the ecosystem. Also extractive activitya and the expansion of human settlements contribute to putting the biodiversity of the Congo Basin at risk.
The crucial role of the Congo basin for the climate
The Congo Basin, which extends over 200 million hectares, is a green giant that plays a fundamental role in regulating the global climate. It includes the largest tropical peatland in the world and is the largest carbon sink on the planet, absorbing more carbon dioxide than the Amazon. Its rainforest provides food security and essential resources for over 75 million peopleserves as a critical habitat for numerous endangered species and helps mitigate the effects of climate change.
A call for conservation
“The Congo Basin is not only a haven of biodiversity, but is essential to the well-being of more than 75 million people who depend on its resources for food, water, shelter and even cultural identity,” he said. declared Martin KabaluapaWWF regional director for the Congo Basin. “This report is a call to action for governments, environmentalists and communities. We must work together to safeguard this irreplaceable natural heritage. While we celebrate these discoveries, we also recognize their implications the urgent responsibility to protect these vital ecosystems”.
“Our commitment to the Congo Basin is constant,” he added Jaap van der Waarderesponsible for the conservation of the Congo Basin of WWF International. “WWF works alongside governments, partner organisations, local communities and indigenous groups to protect these ecosystems. From bio-monitoring programs to FSC certification of logging concessions, our goal is ensure that future generations can live the wonders of the Congo Basin”.
The report also celebrates the role of indigenous knowledge in conservation. “For centuries, indigenous communities have lived in harmony with forests. Recognition of their knowledge is integral to conservation success,” he said Moise Konocoordinator of indigenous populations for WWF Cameroon. “It is critical that their voices and rights are respected as custodians of this land.”
WWF calls for urgent action to protect the unique and threatened biodiversity of the Congo Basin. The governments of the region have agreed to bring 30% of their land under some form of protection by 2030 and WWF is supporting them to identify priority areas and the best actions to effectively protect them.
