Akanda

Akanda National Park is located a few kilometres from Libreville, the capital city. It includes marine, estuarine and coastal areas on the Mondah and Corisco bays. The shore is dominated by 35,000 hectares of relatively undisturbed marine mangroves (Rhizophora and Avicennia), mudflats, swampy forests and grassy savannah. Annual rainfall of up to 3.3 metres leaves much of the area constantly submerged and the resulting vegetation regulates the flow of rivers and ensures the stability of the Site. The marine waters are important feeding areas for threatened turtles including olive ridley, (Lepidochelys olivacea), leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) and green turtles (Chelonia mydas), as well as African dwarf crocodile (Osteolaemus tetraspis). They are also a major habitat and breeding ground for crustaceans and almost 200 species of fish including bonga shad (Ethmalosa fimbriata) and flathead mullet (Mugil cephalus). The mudflats are prime wintering grounds for palearctic migratory birds, among them between 35,000 and 40,000 Palearctic waders such as little stint (Calidris minuta), grey plover (Pluvialis squatarola) and curlew sandpiper (Calidris ferruginea). The endemic yellow-breasted apalis (Apalis flavida) and swamp boubou (Laniarius bicolor) are also found. The area is also home to endangered or vulnerable plant species such as oveng aristogeitonia (Aristogeitonia gabonica), Villiersii tree (Dinklageella villiersii), African bushwillow (Combretum esteriense) and Gaboon mahogany (Aucoumea klaineana). The local Fang, Benga and Sekiani communities benefit from fishing, agriculture, hunting, tourism and other recreational activities. Chief threats come from over-exploitation of mangroves (especially for wood), over-fishing, uncontrolled tourism within the site, and increasing urbanization in the area. Its proximity to Libreville enables the Park to play a leading role in environmental education and recreation.

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