Sao Tome - Natural Reserve Obô
Pico Maria Fernando Sao Tome
Protected Areas in São Tomé and Príncipe
The Natural Park "Obô" of São Tomé and Príncipe was established by Law 6/2006 to protect the vital forest areas surrounding Pico de São Tomé, the highest peak in the archipelago at 2,024 meters (6,637 feet). Spanning approximately 19,500 hectares, the park is a crucial sanctuary for a diversity of ecosystems, including forested, coastal, and marine environments.
The area is characterized by three distinct zones:
- Central Massif: This zone is the most recognized part of the Obô Natural Park, attracting the majority of visitors with its stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity. It features lush forests that are home to a variety of endemic species of flora and fauna.
- Malanza Zone: Located in the southern part of São Tomé, this area is less frequented by tourists but offers unique ecosystems and opportunities for exploration.
- Praia das Conchas and Lagoa Azul: This coastal area enhances the park's biodiversity and provides vital habitats for marine life.
The Obô de São Tomé forest reserve remains largely untouched by permanent human settlements. Its rugged topography, high rainfall, and challenging access—paired with soil that is largely unsuitable for agriculture—contribute to the preservation of its natural environment. These factors help mitigate major negative impacts from human activities.
However, the park faces several threats, including hunting, illegal logging, sand extraction from beaches, and the cultivation of palm trees for wine production. These activities disrupt the delicate ecosystems and endanger the diverse wildlife within the park.
The rich flora includes numerous endemic plant species, many of which offer insights into the island's unique biodiversity. The fauna is equally diverse, featuring several unique bird species, butterflies, and reptiles, all thriving amidst the protected habitat.
rain forest in Sao Tome
Mountain Ecosystems and Biodiversity of São Tomé
São Tomé Island showcases how biodiversity varies across altitudinal zones due to its unique topography as an extinct volcano. This results in distinct ecosystems home to various species adapted to their specific elevations.
- Lowland Coastal Zone (0 - 300 meters): This region features sandy beaches, mangrove forests, and lowland rainforests. It's rich in plant species and vital for sea turtle nesting. Common flora includes coconut palms and fruit trees. The fauna includes various birds, the São Tomé house gecko, and the São Tomé caecilian.
- Lower Montane Zone (300 - 900 meters): Here, forests become denser with increased humidity and moderate temperatures, fostering mosses and ferns. It hosts unique birds like the São Tomé olive pigeon and São Tomé spinetail, which can't be found elsewhere.
- Upper Montane Zone (900 - 1,400 meters): Characterized by shorter trees and cloud forests, this zone supports mosses, orchids, and epiphytes adapted to misty conditions. It is home to endemic species, including the critically endangered São Tomé fiscal and São Tomé grosbeak.
- Sub-alpine Zone (1,400 - 2,024 meters): Near Pico de São Tomé, this zone features elfin forests with lichens and bryophytes, along with cooler temperatures. It harbors the uncommon São Tomé giant treefrog and the resilient São Tomé kingfisher.
Biodiversity across these zones is influenced by temperature, precipitation, soil type, and sunlight. The island's isolation has resulted in high endemism, with many species evolving uniquely. Human activities, such as agriculture and logging, threaten these ecosystems, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to protect this biodiversity for future generations.
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Travel Advice & Individual Tours in São Tomé and Príncipe
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