EQUATORIAL GUINEA Equatorial Guinea is located in a region of high animal diversity, including 194 species of mammals, 418 birds, and 91 reptiles (World Resources Institute). The country is also home to 3,250 species of plants.

This biodiverse country has been heavily impacted over the last 35 years by agriculture and timber harvesting. Primary rainforest covered 50 percent of the country and secondary forest 10 percent in 1959. By 1985, primary coverage had been reduced to 28 percent, while secondary coverage had fallen to 8 percent. The most diverse region, the coastal Mbini, has been hit the hardest by deforestation. Most of the remaining primary forests are located in inaccessible parts of the interior.

Additional threats to the forest come from natural gas fields and oil exploration. Extensive hunting for food and trapping for the exotic pet trade are taking their toll on this country's wildlife.

On paper, 16.8 percent of the country is under some form of protection.

Suggested reading - Books

• Last Place on Earth
• Equatorial Guinea Country Study Guide

Image copyright Google Earth, MDA EarthSet, DigitalGlobe 2005

CIA-World Factbook Profile
FAO-Forestry Profile
World Resources Institute (PDF)


Last updated: 4 Feb 2006