Equatorial Guinea
Equatorial Guinea is known for its wildlife-rich forests, with protected areas like Bioko Island National Park safeguarding species like gorillas, elephants, and chimpanzees.
Flora and Fauna
Equatorial Guinea boasts a variety of ecosystems, from tropical rainforests to coastal wetlands. Bioko Island, in particular, is known for its rich biodiversity, including the rare drill monkey (Mandrillus leucophaeus) and the critically endangered forest elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis). The rainforests also shelter other primates such as colobus monkeys and a wide range of bird species, including the endemic Bioko Batis.
In addition to the unique animal life, the country’s plant life includes tropical hardwoods like mahogany, as well as numerous medicinal plants and fruits such as plantains, cassava, and cocoa. Coastal mangroves play an important role in protecting the coastline and providing a habitat for marine life.
However, many of Equatorial Guinea’s postage stamps have depicted flora and fauna that are not native to the country. See the examples below.
National Flora and Fauna
- The African Forest Elephant (Loxodonta cyclotisis) is the national animal.
Issued 1975: Exotic Butterfly series (I) - 0.10 ekuele, Southern Comma (Polygonia egea).
Issued 1975: Exotic Butterfly series (I) - 0.45 ekuele, Festoon Butterfly (Zerynthia).
Issued 1975: Exotic Butterfly series (I) - 0.60 ekuele, Moth (Psyche).
Issued 1975: Exotic Butterfly series (I) - 2 ekuele, (Melitaea maturna).
Issued 1975: Exotic Fish series (I) - 0.10 ekuele, Thick-lipped Gourami (Colisa labiosa).
Issued 1975: Exotic Fish series (I) - 0.30 ekuele, Glass Bloodfin Tetra (Moenkhausia oligolepis).
Issued 1975: Exotic Fish series (I) - 0.50 ekuele, Lined Barb (Barbus lineatus).
Issued 1975: Exotic Fish series (I) - 2 ekuele, Clown Loach (Botia macracantha) now know as (Chromobotia macracanthus).