Ndian River Delta, Cameroon Photograph by WWF/ Mauri Rautkari   Western Africa Mangroves   11,500 square miles (29,900 square kilometers) -- about the size of Vermont and Delaware combined Critical/Endangered

· Biggest mangroves in Africa
· Special Features
· Did You Know?
· Wild Side
· Cause for Concern
More Photos

Biggest mangroves in Africa

The Central African mangroves ecoregion encompasses the single most extensive area of mangrove in all of Africa. The mangroves of this ecoregion are very complex, with habitats ranging from lagoons to river mouths. In and along these rich waters, mangroves trees can grow up to 135 feet (45 m) tall. Enormous quantities of fish and invertebrates make their homes in these coastal waters, providing an abundance of food for monkeys, turtles, and aquatic birds. Not only are these mangroves centers of biodiversity, but they also perform many important ecological roles. They filter nutrients, stabilize lagoon shores, provide protection for commercially important fish, help in the continuous formation of soil, and serve as an important migratory point for many birds.

Special Features

This ecoregion contains an important spawning area for fish in the Gulf of Guinea, and this area has been recognized for its highly diverse fish. The Central African mangroves also provide a breeding ground for green herons and longtailed cormorants. Coral reefs grow offshore here, buffered by the mangroves, which filter out excess sediment. The reefs offshore contain 29 endemic coral reef fish species.

	More than two-thirds of the mangroves in this ecoregion are found along Nigeriaâs coastline. At the same time, Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa.

Wild Side

Throughout the Central African mangroves, an abundance of oysters, crabs, and invertebrate larvae feed on the enormous desposits of organic matter provided by mangrove trees. In the shallow mangrove waters, majestic birds such as cormorants, spoonbills, egrets, and herons wade among the free floating plants to feed on the mangrovesâ abundant fish. Large African manatees swim gracefully through the water in search of underwater sea grasses. Mona monkeys move about in the trees, while hippos walk through shallow, calm rivers. Around lagoon shores, green turtles dig nests and massive leatherback turtles deposit their eggs on sandy beaches. Birds such as herons and cormorants raise their young here, carefully guarding them against predators such as pythons.

Cause for Concern

There are many threats to the Central African mangroves ecoregion. Many mangrove areas have already been destroyed to make room for growing cities and agricultural areas that support growing human populations. Mangrove forests here are logged to supply wood for fuel and construction, and they are exploited for oil exploration and drilling. Fishing techniques that use poison and dynamite are destroying the ecosystem here. Furthermore, sewage and other pollutants are contaminating the waters that provide valuable breeding grounds for commercially important fish.

For more information on this ecoregion, go to the World Wildlife Fund Scientific Report.