Guinea-Bissau is an African country located on the west coast of the continent. It is bordered by Senegal on the north, Guinea to the south and east, and the Atlantic ocean to the west. Guinea is one of the smallest African nations, but it is home to a diverse array of animals.
Guinea-Bissau is made up of wetlands, tropical forests, savanna. Guinea-Bissau also has an archipelago of islands just off of its coast that is home to both land animals and marine animals. Scientists estimate that 108 species of mammals and over 400 species of birds live in Guinea-Bissau.
A couple of the species of animals that live in Guinea-Bissau are endangered. These include: the
chimpanzee and the wild dog. Several other species of animals are vulnerable and may become endangered without protection and conservation. These animals are:
African Elephants,
African Golden Cats, lions,
pygmy hippopotamus, Red-fronted Gazelles, and the West
African Manatee.
The coastal waters and islands off of Guinea-Bissau are also teeming with wildlife. Many chimpanzees inhabit the tropical forests of the islands. Cantanhez Natural Park is a protected refuge for the chimpanzees. The unique and interesting saltwater hippopotamus can be found in the southern Orango Islands. Endangered sea turtles make their home off the coast of the Joao Vieira Islands. Dolphins inhabit these waters, and whales also visit.
A huge variety of birds live in Guinea-Bissau. Two of the most impressive birds are the blue-headed wood dove and the iris glossy starling. Other birds that can be seen include macaws, hawks, eagles, hornbills and king fishers.