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FEATURE

NEW SPECIES DISCOVERED

IN THE CONGO BASIN

Over the past ten years, 742 new species of wildlife and plants have been discovered
in the Congo Basin, a report released by the WWF has revealed. The report, entitled
New Life in the Congo Basin: A Decade of Species Discoveries (2013 - 2023), highlights

the remarkable biodiversity and urgent conservation needs of one of the world’s
most vital ecosystems.

he report documents the work of
hundreds of scientists from universities,
Tconservation organisations and
research institutes around the world. It reveals
many new species, including previously
unknown plants, invertebrates, fish,
amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals.
Among these discoveries are unique orchids,
new species of coffee, clawed frog, crocodile,
electric fish, owl, spiders, turtles and even a
monkey species.
The findings illustrate not only the
richness of the Congo Basin but also the
pressing need for conservation efforts
to protect its fragile ecosystems. Known
as the “lungs of Africa”, the Congo Basin
is the largest carbon sink and largest
tropical peatland in the world. Spanning
across six countries, its rainforest provides
food security and an essential lifeline for
indigenous and local populations, and Coffea rizetiana Cameroon Photo by Meise Botanic Garden
serves as a critical habitat for endangered
species.
This latest report follows the WWF’s and communities to work together to communities have lived in harmony with
Living Planet Report 2024 which revealed safeguard this irreplaceable natural the forests. Recognising their knowledge is
an alarming decline in global wildlife heritage. As we celebrate these discoveries, integral to conservation success,” said Moise
populations, particularly in tropical we also recognise that they come with an Kono, Indigenous Peoples Coordinator
regions. As the Amazon faces increasing urgent responsibility to protect these vital for WWF Cameroon. “It is crucial that their
threats, the Congo Basin’s significance has ecosystems,” said Dr. Kabaluapa. voices and rights are respected as stewards
never been greater. “Our commitment to the Congo of this land,” Kono added.
“The Congo Basin is not just a Basin is unwavering,” added Jaap van WWF calls for urgent action to
biodiversity haven; it is essential for the der Waarde, Head of Conservation for protect the unique and endangered
well-being of over 75 million people who the Congo Basin at WWF International. biodiversity in the Congo Basin. The
depend on its resources for food, shelter “WWF is working alongside governments, governments in the region have agreed
and cultural identity,” said Dr. Martin partner organisations, local communities to bring 30% of their land under some
Kabaluapa, WWF Regional Director for the and indigenous groups to protect form of protection by 2030 and WWF
Congo Basin. “This report serves as a call to these ecosystems. From bio-monitoring is supporting them to identify these
action for governments, conservationists programs to FSC certification of logging areas and effectively protect them. The
concessions, our goal is to ensure existing protected areas are in dire need
that future generations will of effective management. Meanwhile, a
experience the wonders of the recent study conducted in Gabon and the
Congo Basin.” Republic of Congo revealed that a higher
The report also celebrates the number of large mammals are found
role of indigenous knowledge in logging concessions certified by the
in conservation. Indigenous Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) unlike
communities, who have coexisted in non-certified forests. Sustainability
with these forests for generations, certification is therefore a proven method
are key to preserving and to both protect biodiversity and create
understanding this biodiversity. economic benefits for communities and
Many of the species in this report, governments.
while newly described in scientific
literature, have been familiar to For further information contact Fidelis Pegue
local communities for generations. Manga, WWF Communications Manager,
“For centuries, indigenous Congo Basin, on Fmanga@wwfint.org
Mecistops leptorhynchus Central Africa Photo by Nik Borrow n

14 Landscape SA • Issue 145 2025 Check us out www.salandscape.co.za