Monkey Forest of Gbêpleu, Ivory Coast
The southern Ivory Coast forest is full of mangrove swamps and rainforests; the rainforest canopy is 21–24 m above the forest floor, with isolated trees pushing up above 37 m. Farther north, the rainforests and mangrove swamps give way to scattered stands of deciduous trees, and mahogany is widespread. Still farther north, oil palm, acacia, breadfruit, and baobab characterize the transition to true savanna, where shea nut and traveler’s palm are common.
Jackals, hyenas, panthers, elephants, hippopotamuses, and many monkeys, and other mammals are widely distributed. Crocodiles and chameleons, as well as venomous serpents like horned vipers, mambas, and many others and also pythons, are numerous. Among indigenous birds are vultures, cranes, pigeons, turtle doves, parrots, and herons. Venomous spiders and scorpions abound. As of 2002, there were at least 230 species of mammals, 252 species of birds, and over 3,600 species of plants throughout the country.
Epic Ivory Coast Culture & Adventure Route © Monika Newbound
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