Gabon

Gabon is home to the Loango National Park, which protects a wide variety of wildlife, including gorillas, elephants, and hippos, in both forest and coastal ecosystems.

Flora and Fauna

Gabon is rich in biodiversity, with over 5,000 plant species, many of which are used for medicinal and practical purposes. The country’s landscapes range from dense equatorial rainforest to coastal lagoons and savannas, creating habitats for remarkable biodiversity. The rainforests are home to valuable hardwood trees like Okoumé and Iroko, used in timber production, as well as natural gum trees for local products.

The country hosts 208 mammal species, including the western lowland gorilla, chimpanzees, forest elephants, and pygmy hippos, which thrive in Gabon’s national parks such as Loango and Ivindo. The savannas and wetlands provide habitats for antelope species like the bongo, as well as hippopotamuses and crocodiles. Gabon’s coastal waters are home to manatees and sea turtles.

Gabon’s birdlife includes over 600 species, including the African grey parrot and the rare shoebill. The country's national parks are crucial for protecting endangered species and preserving the diverse ecosystems.

In addition to timber, Gabon harvests resources like medicinal plants and African palm kernels for local use, while balancing conservation with sustainable resource management.

National Flora and Fauna

The western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) is the national animal
The African grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus) is the national bird
The Okoumé tree (Aucoumea klaineana) is the national tree

Issued 1961: Flower series - 0.50 franc, (Combretum).

Issued 1962: Postage Due, Fruit series - 0.50 franc, Pineapple (Ananas comosus).

Issued 1963: Bird series - 250 franc, Crowned Eagle (Stephanoaetus coronatus).

Issued 1969: Flower series - 1 franc, Belongs to the ginger family (Aframomum polyanthum) (Zingiberaceae family).

Issued 1973: Butterfly series - 10 franc, Green-veined Emperor (Charaxes candiope).

Issued 1973: Butterfly series - 15 franc, (Eunica pechueli).

Issued 1973: Butterfly series - 20 franc, African Map Butterfly (Cyrestis camillus).

Issued 1973: Butterfly series - 30 franc, Giant Emperor (Charaxes castor).

Issued 1973: Butterfly series - 40 franc, Blue-spotted Charaxes (Charaxes ameliae).

Issued 1973: Butterfly series - 50 franc, Boisduval's False Acraea (Pseudacraea boisduvali).