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Flora and Fauna

The Comoros archipelago is home to over 2,000 plant species, with more than 1,000 being native to the region. Around 30% of these species are found only in the Comoros. A key example is the critically endangered Ravenea hildebrandtii palm.

The islands also support a variety of mammals, including eight native species: three fruit bats, three insect-eating bats, and two species of lemurs. The Livingstone's fruit bat (Pteropus livingstonii) is one of the most notable, as it is found only in the Comoros.

The birdlife of the Comoros is equally remarkable, with 21 species that are found nowhere else in the world. This includes the Comoro olive pigeon (Columba pollenii) and the Comoro blue pigeon (Alectroenas sganzini).

The surrounding seas are teeming with marine life, home to about 820 species of saltwater fish, including the ancient coelacanth. The waters around the islands are also frequented by sea turtles, humpback whales, and dolphins.

National Flora and Fauna

• The Livingstone's fruit bat (Pteropus livingstonii) is the national animal. It is an endangered species found only on the islands of Anjouan and Mohéli, where it roosts in montane forests.
• The Comoro olive pigeon (Columba pollenii) is the national bird. It is native to the Comoro Islands and nearby regions, known for its glossy dark plumage and distinctive cooing call.

Issued 1962: Sea Shells series - 0.50 franc, Red Helmet Shell (Cypraecassis rufa).

Issued 1969: Flower series - 50 franc Airmail, Heliconia.

Issued 1977: Fish Series - 100 franc, Racoon Butterflyfish (Chaetodon lunula).

Issued 1978: Butterflies series - 15 franc, African Swallowtail (Papilio dardanus).

Issued 1979: Fruit series - 100 franc, Avocado (Persea americana).

Issued 2009: Beetle series - 125 franc, Giraffe Weevil (Trachelophorus giraffa).

Issued 2009: Snake Series - 225 franc, Boomslang (Dispholidus typus.)

Issued 2011: Flower series - 150 franc, Torch Ginger (Etlingera elatior).