WWF Discloses That 238 New Species Of Wildlife, And Plants, Have Been Discovered in Cameroon’s Section Of Forests Within Congo Basin

A total of 742 new species have been discovered in the six countries within the Congo Basin

The new species include plants, invertebrates, fish, mammals, birds, and amphibians  

WWF cries out that Congo Basin faces major environmental pressure

A total of 238 new species of wildlife and plants have been discovered in Cameroon’s section of the forests within the Congo Basin, while a total of 742 new species of wildlife and plants have been discovered in the forests of the six countries within the Congo Basin, which include Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo (former Zaire), Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and Republic of Congo (Brazzaville).

The information has been disclosed in two  releases posted  on December 3, 2024 by the Cameroon Office of the international conservation organization, WWF, headlined: A Decade Of Discovery, and  New Species Report Publication (Notes to editors). These releases actually summarized a detailed WWF report (document) of dozens of pages entitled: New Life In The Congo Basin, A Decade Of Species Discovery, 2013 – 2023, which highlights the remarkable biodiversity and the urgent conservation needs of one of the world’s most vital ecosystems. The WWF report documents the work of hundreds of scientists from universities, conservation organizations, and research institute around the world, and reveals a stunning array of new species.

Details Of Discoveries, Country By Country

A breakdown, country by country, of the 742 new species that have been discovered in the Congo Basin, stands as follows: Cameroon – 238 species, Central African Republic – 25 species, DR Congo – 259 species, Equatorial Guinea – 59 species, Gabon – 262 species, and Republic of Congo – 65 species.  The discoveries of the total of 742 new species in the Congo Basin, took a total of 10 years of hard works by researchers from divers horizons. It should be noted that WWF works in five of the six countries within the Congo Basin, with the exception being Equatorial Guinea.

The New Species Of Wildlife And Plants

As aforementioned, the WWF report, entitled, New Life In The Congo Basin, A Decade Of Species Discovery, is a compilation of works done by researchers from divers horizons, that discovered the total of 742 new species in the Congo Basin, within the period of 2013 – 2023, that is 10 years. The new species include previously unknown plants, amphibians, reptiles, invertebrates, birds, fish and mammals. A further breakdown of  the discoveries show that they include 430 plants, 143 invertebrates, 96 fish, 22 amphibians, 44 reptiles , 2 birds, and 10 mammals. “Among these discoveries are a slender – snouted crocodile, a new coffee plant, and a monkey known locally as the ‘lesula’. Other species include a dragonfly named after a Pink Floyd album, an owl with a cat-like  call, a striking venomous bush viper, delicate orchids  and brightly – coloured killifish”, WWF states.

Research Methods

As regard the methods that were used by the divers researchers from across the world in the Congo Basin, that resulted in the discovery of the total of 742 new species, WWF explains that the species were discovered through extensive field research involving specimen collection, genetic analysis, and documentation, and that the work was often done in collaboration with local communities.

“New To Science”

WWF as well explains in the notes to editors, what “New to Science”, means. The international conservation organization explains that “New to Science” indicates species formally identified and documented for the first time in scientific literature. So the 742 new species discovered by researchers in the Congo Basin, are, “New to Science”. But WWF points out that while these species are new to researchers and thus to science, many of these species have been known to the local communities for generations.

“The report also celebrates the role of indigenous knowledge in conservation. Indigenous communities, who have coexisted with these forests for generations, and are key to preserving and understanding the biodiversity. Many of the species in this report, while newly described in scientific literature, have been familiar to local communities through generation”, WWF asserts.

Congo Basin Rich Biodiversity And Ecological Importance

WWF further asserts that each of the new species that has been discovered, in the Congo Basin, underscores the Congo Basin’s rich biodiversity and ecological importance. Stressing the importance of the Congo Basin’s ecological importance, WWF points out that the Congo Basin is both the largest tropical peat land, and the largest carbon sink in the world.

“Known as the ‘lungs of Africa’, the Congo Basin is the largest carbon sink in the world, absolving more carbon than the Amazon. Spanning across six countries, its rain forest provides food security and an essential life line for indigenous and local population, and serves as critical habitat for endangered species (World Bank)”, Of the world’s three largest tropical rainforests, only the Congo Basin has enough standing forest left, to remain a strong net carbon sink. The Congo Basin’s tropical rainforest sequesters 600 million metric tons, more carbon dioxide per year, than it emits, equivalent to about one –third of the Co2 emissions from all US transportation (WR)”, states WWF.

The international conservation organization also stresses the fact that the discovery of the huge amount of new species of wildlife and plants in the Congo Basin, illustrates not only the richness of the basin, but also the pressing need for conservation efforts to protect its fragile ecosystems.

Ecological Impact Of FSC Certification

 Meanwhile, the WWF report also touches on the ecological importance of FSC Certification, and recalls that a new study that was published in Nature on April 10, 2024, showed that FSC Certified forests in Gabon and the Republic of Congo, which are countries within the Congo Basin, harbour significantly more large mammals, such as gorillas and elephants, compared to non –specified areas, demonstrating the positive impact of sustainable forest management on biodiversity. “The research highlights how proactive measures, like curbing illegal hunting and employing reduced – impact logging, support wildlife conservation, while also benefitting forest health and local communities”. WWF thus stresses the fact that sustainable certification is a proven method to both protect biodiversity and create economic benefits for communities and governments.

“The Congo Basin Faces Major Environmental Pressure”

Meanwhile, the latest WWF report follows the international conservation organization’s Living Planet Report 2024, which revealed an alarming decline in global wildlife populations, particularly in tropical regions. WWF emphasizes the fact that as the world faces increasing threats including dangerous tipping points, the Congo Basin’s significance has never been greater. “The Congo Basin faces major environmental pressure, including deforestation, poaching, Climate Change, mining and human –wildlife conflict. These threats endanger not only newly discovered species, but also iconic species like forest elephants and great apes”, WWF cries out.

The international conservation organization calls for urgent actions to protect the unique and endangered biodiversity in the Congo Basin. WWF has disclosed that: “The governments in the region have agreed to bring 30 % of their land under some form of protection by 2030, and WWF is supporting them to identify these areas and effectively protect them. The existing protected areas are also in dire need of effective management”.

Reactions To The WWF Report

In his reaction to the report entitled, New Life In The Congo Basin, A Decade Of Species Discoveries, 2013 – 2023, WWF Regional Director for Congo Basin, Dr MARTIN KABALUAPA, states that: “The Congo Basin is not just a biodiversity haven, it is essential for the well –being of over 75 million people who depend on its resources for food, shelter and cultural identity. The report serves as a call to action for governments, conservationists, and communities to work together to safeguard this irreplaceable natural heritage. As we celebrate these discoveries, we also recognize that they come with an urgent responsibility to protect these vital ecosystems”.

On his part, the Head of Conservation for Congo Basin at WWF International, JAAP van der WEARDE, says: “WWF is working alongside governments, partner organizations, local communities and indigenous groups to protect the ecosystem. From bio – monitoring programmes to Fsc Certification of logging concessions, our goal is to ensure that future generations will experience the wonders of the Congo Basin”.

The Indigenous People Coordinator for WWF Cameroon, MOISE KONO, in his reaction is all in defense of the interests and rights of the indigenous people. Hear him: “For centuries, the indigenous communities have live in harmony with the forests. Recognising their knowledge is integral in conservation success. It is crucial that their voices and rights are respected as stewards of the land”.

 By Joe Dinga Pefok (Uncle Joe)

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