WWF discovery sheds light into the new 742 wildlife and plants discovered in the Congo Basin

A report titled, “New Life in the Congo Basin: a Decade of Species Discoveries 2013-2023" was conducted by hundreds of scientists from universities, conservation organisations and research institutes around the world which reveals 742 new species of wildlife and plants.

The Congo Basin is the largest in Africa and second only to the Amazon basin globally and the animal and plant species have been discovered in at least six countries within the Congo Basin, which are Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and Republic of Congo.

The report, revealed by World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), is a combination of work for the past 10 years and it has revealed new species which include new and unknown plants, invertebrates, fish, amphibians, mammals, birds, as well as reptiles.

The discoveries include 430 plants, 140 invertebrates, 96 fish, 22 amphibians, 42 reptiles, two birds, and 10 mammals.

Among these discoveries are unique orchids, new species of coffee, clawed frog, crocodile, electric fish, owl, spiders, turtles and even a monkey species known locally as the ‘lesula’.

The Congo Basin is the largest carbon sink in the world and even though the report also highlights the richness of the Congo Basin, it also reveals the importance of conserving our ecosystem as well as protecting wildlife.

Dr. Martin Kabaluapa, WWF Regional Director for the Congo Basin mentioned that even though this report celebrates the new discoveries of the plant and wildlife species, it is important to take urgent responsibility to protect our ecosystems.

"The Congo Basin is not just a biodiversity haven; it is essential for the wellbeing of over 75 million people who depend on its resources for food, shelter, and cultural identity.

“This report serves as a call to action for governments, conservationists, and communities to work together to safeguard this irreplaceable natural heritage. As we celebrate these discoveries, we also recognise that they come with an urgent responsibility to protect these vital ecosystems,” he said.

The Congo Basin is also known as the  “lungs of Africa” as it is the largest tropical peatland in the world and stretches across six countries, providing food security and a lifeline for indigenous and local populations.

Moise Kono, Indigenous Peoples Coordinator for WWF Cameroon, added: “for centuries, indigenous communities have lived in harmony with the forests. Recognising their knowledge is integral to conservation success.

 “It is crucial that their voices and rights are respected as stewards of this land.

Jaap van der Waarde, Head of Conservation for the Congo Basin at WWF International mentioned that their commitment to the Congo Basin is unwavering.

 “WWF is working alongside governments, partner organisations, local communities and indigenous groups to protect these ecosystems. From bio-monitoring programs to FSC certification of logging concessions, our goal is to ensure that future generations will experience the wonders of the Congo Basin,” he said.

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