Republic of Guinea

Guinea is home to the Upper Niger National Park, which shelters endangered species such as the West African chimpanzee and pygmy hippopotamus.

Flora and Fauna

The forests of Guinea, particularly in the Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve, are home to endangered species such as the Nimba otter shrew (Micropotamogale lamottei) and the western chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes verus). The country’s landscapes range from coastal plains and tropical rainforests to highland plateaus, creating habitats for an exceptional range of species. The savannas support leopards, buffaloes, and antelopes, while the Niger and Gambia rivers provide habitats for hippos and crocodiles. Bird species include the Egyptian plover (Pluvianus aegyptius) and the white-necked rockfowl (Picathartes gymnocephalus).

National Flora and Fauna

The African forest elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis) is the national animal.
The Vernonia djalonensis is regarded as the national flower, although this is still pending official government approval.

Issued 1964: Fish Definitive Series - 0.50 franc, Blue Gularis (Aphyosemion caeruleum).

Issued 1967: 20th Anniversary of Guinean Democratic Party Series - 200 franc, African Elephant Head (Loxodonta africana).

Issued 1969: Tarzan (a famous Chimpanzee) Series - 30 franc, Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes).

The WWF “Monkeys” stamps issued in 2000 are illegal counterfeits, not recognized by any major catalogue or the official WWF stamp listings. According to UPU Circular 421 (2003), such fake stamps often misuse organisation logos, and postal authorities have disclaimed responsibility for their production. These counterfeit issues were widely distributed in many variations and should be avoided by collectors.