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Biome Project - Congo Basin
2
THE CONGO BASIN
By Ella Meleady
& Cyan Bacik-Saul
Introduction
INTRODUCTION
- Location: Central Africa – astride the Equator in West-Central Africa.
- World’s second largest river basin
- Comprises of an area of more than 3.4 million square km
KNOWN FOR:
Known for:
- High levels of biodiversity!
- More than 600 tree species and 10,000 animal species.
Most famous residents: forest elephants, gorillas, chimpanzees, leopards, hippos & lions.
The Climate
THE CLIMATE
- Naturally warm and humid
- Two seasons: The rainy season (March to November). The dry season (December to February)
- The average rainfall is a little over 58 inches (147 centimeters) per year.
What does this mean?
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?
- Tropical rainforests are located around the equator.
- Primary characteristics are hot and wet climate.
- Hot and humid climate is perfect for the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms.
- Vital importance on a local and global scale.
Plants
PLANTS
- Blanketed by an intricate forest system.
- Numerous species/varieties proliferate, trees reach up to 40 to 50 meters.
- Stands of mangroves dominate Coastal Swamps and Mouth of the Congo.
- Eastern plateaus are covered by grasslands, mountain forests, and bamboo thickets.
- Afro-Alpine vegetation occurs on the highest mountains.
Examples
EXAMPLES
The oil palm is a tree found in the Congo. Used for chocolate, candies and soap. Is so useful that parts of the Congo have been deforested in order to make way for plantations.
The mahogany tree is common in the Congo Rainforest and is popular for its rough grained, dark colored wood. It is used to make products such as furniture, wood flooring and boats.
Animals
ANIMALS
Animal life in The Congo Basin is rich and diverse.
- Gorillas live in the eastern mountains around Lake Kivu.
- Bonobos are found only in lowland rainforests along the south bank of the Congo River.
- Elephants and various other species of monkeys are found in the forest and savanna woodlands.
Examples
EXAMPLES
Estimated that thousands of chimpanzees live in the Congo Rainforest.
- Have particular behaviors and customs compared to others from around the world.
- Diet: seeds, fruit, leaves, bark, insects like termites and small prey.
Okapi are horse like animals, they can only be found in the Congo.
- Main predator is the leopard.
- Have long tongues, to help them eat high tree leaves.
The Congo Basin Rainforest is home to many endangered species such as:
- Elephants, chimpanzees, bonobos and lowland and mountain gorillas.
Human Activity
HUMAN ACTIVITY
- Inhabited by humans for more than 50,000 years.
- Provides food, fresh water and shelter to more than 75 million people.
- Inhabitants rely on natural resources - hunter gatherers have complex relationships with farmers (trade).
- Rainforest soils are poor & forest productivity is low, so types of farming and hunter-gathering lifestyles only possible in a low population density.
- Parts of the DRC & Cameroon unemployed people hunt to support themselves & their families.
Problems
PROBLEMS
Humans are causing great harm to the Congo Basin Rainforest through:
- Deforestation, agriculture, logging, and mineral and oil extraction.
Population growth, conflict, governance problems and lack of forest management are also greatly contributing to the problems.