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Volcanic archipelago
From a distance the island of Príncipe is vivid green, with lush volcanic slopes rising from the sea and sandy beaches dotted along its coastline. Part of the archipelago of São Tomé & Príncipe, the island is home to many endemic species – those that are found nowhere else on Earth.
Sadly, all this is threatened by human activities. Nearly all of the country’s lowland forests have already been disturbed or altered, while its coastal waters are under threat from overfishing and other damaging fishing practices.
100%
Percentage of Príncipe’s amphibians that are endemic.
57%
The percentage of the country’s bird species that are endemic.
What wildlife does São Tomé and Príncipe support?
São Tomé and Príncipe supports an abundance of wildlife, and is particularly rich in birds, reptiles and amphibians. Príncipe’s remaining forests are among the most biologically rich in Africa, comparable to other oceanic islands such as the Galapagos in terms of the number of endemic species.
Príncipe’s coastal waters, meanwhile, fall within the Gulf of Guinea marine biodiversity hotspot. They harbour high numbers of unique coral reef fish and molluscs, as well as providing important breeding grounds for hawksbill, green and leatherback turtles.
A hawksbill turtle. © Gregory Piper / Ocean Image Bank
Hawksbill turtle.
Fauna and Flora’s work in São Tomé and Príncipe
Fauna & Flora is focusing on Príncipe, where we work closely with our core partner, Fundação Príncipe, to enhance conservation on this stunningly biodiverse island.
This work includes surveying forests, shorelines and seascapes, and building relationships with local communities and agencies to learn how forest and marine resources are being used. We are also helping to tackle a destructive form of honey collection that involves burning bee colonies.
Drone footage showing the island habitat of Príncipe
More about our work in São Tomé and Príncipe
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