What kind of animals live in the Congo rainforest?
Some of the area’s most famous occupants include leopards, forest elephants, gorillas, chimpanzees, lions, hippos, cheetahs, giraffes, spotted hyenas, bonobos and, of course, lowland and mountain gorillas. Many of these animals are endangered, and conservation efforts have steadily gained momentum over the years.
What predators are in the Congo rainforest?
Where there are antelope and other prey animals, you will also find predators, such as cheetahs, lions, leopards, and spotted hyenas. More mammals that can be seen in the Congo Basin include: Forest elephants.
Are there crocodiles in the Congo rainforest?
The number of dwarf crocodiles, once common in the Congo river, is dwindling. So hunters have to chase the ferocious Nile crocodile instead. There are plenty of those. Their scaly bodies stretch to six metres and they often kill humans.
Are there big cats in the Congo?
The okapi, a short-necked member of the giraffe family, is an important cultural and national symbol, while the leopard has traditionally adorned the coat of arms for the Congo.
What is the national animal of Congo?
okapi
The only place in the world that you can find a wild okapi is in the dense tropical rainforests of the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is hardly surprising then that they are the country’s national animal and even feature on local bank notes.
How have animals adapted to the Congo rainforest?
Many animals have adapted to the unique conditions of the tropical rainforests. The sloth uses camouflage and moves very slowly to make it difficult for predators to spot. The spider monkey has long, strong limbs to help it to climb through the rainforest trees.
Are there hippos in the Congo River?
Hippos are still found in the rivers and lakes of the northern Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya, north through to Ethiopia, Somalia and Sudan, west to The Gambia, and south to South Africa.
What does the Congo rainforest look like?
At 500 million acres, it is larger than the state of Alaska and stands as the world’s second-largest tropical forest. A mosaic of rivers, forests, savannas, swamps and flooded forests, the Congo Basin is teeming with life. Gorillas, elephants and buffalo all call the region home.
What is the Congo famous for?
Congo is rich in natural resources. It boasts vast deposits of industrial diamonds, cobalt, and copper; one of the largest forest reserves in Africa; and about half of the hydroelectric potential of the continent.
How many animals are there in the Congo?
Country
Country | Birds | Mammals |
---|---|---|
D.R. Congo | 1087 | 430 |
Cameroon | 874 | 335 |
Gabon | 606 | 182 |
Republic of Congo | 606 | 197 |
What animals are omnivores in the Congo rainforest?
In the Congo Rainforest: Primary (herivores)- E astern lowland gorilla, forest elephant, forest buffalo Secondary (omnivores)- Warthogs, chimpanzees ( Ambrose, K. & Ambrose, K., 2017)
What animals in the Congo rainforest are extinct or endangered?
Endangered Animals Many endangered species Are living in the congo rainforest, including forest elephants, chimpanzees, bonobos and lowland and mountain gorilla. The leading cause of wildlife loss in the Congo is the bushmeat trade, driven by an ever increasing market. In congo, there over a million tons of bushmeat consumed each year.
What animals are in the African Congo?
One of the unique animals that you can view in the river of Congo is the hippopotamus. Other interesting animals in Congo rainforest are the okapi, African forest elephants, dryas monkey, Allen’s swamp monkey, Congo peafola, and aqutic genet.
What is the national animal of the Congo?
The national animal of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is Okapi. Okapi is sometimes called the forest giraffe or forest zebra, but one of its lesser-known (unofficial) names is the “African unicorn.” The national animal of Congo Okapi and the giraffe are the only existing members of the family Giraffidae.