ENDANGERED SPECIES IN GABON: A CALL FOR BIODIVERSITY PRESERVATION

Gabon, with its natural wealth, is home to exceptional species threatened by various human activities.
Although efforts are being made to preserve this unique biodiversity, some species are now critically endangered. Here is an overview of endangered species, accompanied by key figures to highlight their fragility.

THE LOWLAND GORILLA

Status: Critically Endangered
Estimated global population: Less than 100,000 individuals.

The lowland gorilla, an iconic species of Gabon's wildlife, has seen its population decline by 60% over the past 30 years, bringing it to the brink of extinction. Its low reproductive rate, with a female giving birth to only one infant every 4 to 6 years, complicates conservation and restoration efforts. The main threats to its survival are illegal hunting for bushmeat and habitat loss, leading to a rapid decline in this already fragile population.

THE LEATHERBACK SEA TURTLE

Status: Critically Endangered
Estimated global population: Less than 2,000 adult individuals.

The leatherback sea turtle, the largest of all sea turtles, is facing an increasingly worrying situation. It comes to Gabon's beaches to lay eggs but is threatened by illegal fishing, the loss of suitable nesting beaches, and plastic pollution.

THE MANATEE

Status: Critically Endangered
Estimated global population: Approximately 10,000 individuals.

The manatee, present in Gabon's waters, is under heavy pressure. 70% of its habitat is being destroyed by pollution and the degradation of seagrass beds. Illegal hunting and collisions with boats also contribute to the decline of its population. In Gabon, the manatee population has decreased by 30% in the past 10 years.

THE NILE CROCODILE

Status: Critically Endangered
Estimated global population: Between 250,000 and 500,000 individuals worldwide.

The Nile crocodile is an endangered species, with its population having decreased by nearly 30% over the past 20 years. Every year, around 5,000 crocodiles are killed in Africa for their skin. The main threats come from illegal hunting and the loss of its natural habitat due to urbanization, pollution, and intensive fishing. Today, this species occupies only 20% of its historical habitat.

THE LEOPARD

Status: Critically Endangered
Estimated global population: Less than 10,000 individuals.

The leopard has seen its population decrease by 50% over the past 20 years. It is now present in less than 30% of its historical range. The main threats include illegal hunting for its fur and the loss of its habitat due to agriculture and urbanization. In Gabon, about 1,000 leopards survive, mainly in protected areas.