Biodiversity in the Gulf of Guinea: an overview

摘要: Patterns of species-richness and endemism in the Gulf Guinea reflect region's biogeographic history. Bioko is a continental-shelf island that was recently connected to African mainland, whereas Principe, Sao Tome Annobon are truly oceanic have never been with each other or mainland. As result, supports much more diverse flora fauna but relatively low levels at species level, islands depauperate because their isolation rich endemic taxa. Species 0–3% on for angiosperms, bats, birds, reptiles amphibians, compared higher values Principe these same taxa 8% (plants) 100% (amphibians), between 14% 0% (bats) 71% (reptiles). On global scale, size both support unusually high numbers single-island amphibia. For its tiny size, also notable birds reptiles. Among terrestrial molluscs rates general than plants vertebrates, from ca 50% 80% islands. In contrast as might be expected, only freshwater fish it contains many taxa, few salt-tolerant species. The important marine organisms, amongst which coral reef marginellid show endemism, though they not especially species-rich. great interest conservationists evolutionary biologists. Each island, greatly differing degree isolation, has acquired unique sub-set animals separately neighbouring followed by adaptive radiations situ. this reason conservation value archipelago whole greater sum biodiversity contained individual Conservation initiatives should therefore ensure representative terrestrial, habitats groups organisms targeted co-ordinated manner among