N S W E
Wildlife Expeditions

Wildlife of
Gabon

Gabon is one of Africa's last great rainforest strongholds, where visitors can track gorillas and chimpanzees in vast lowland forests and witness the rare spectacle of forest elephants and other wildlife thriving along wild Atlantic beaches and mangrove-fringed lagoons.
143 Species
257,670 km² Land Area
Overview

About Gabon

Gabon's wildlife character is defined by scale, density, and diversity: a forest-dominated country where much of the landscape remains intact, allowing rainforest species to persist in healthy numbers. Its natural heritage includes iconic Central African mammals-forest elephants, western lowland gorillas, chimpanzees, forest buffalo, sitatunga, and leopards-alongside extraordinary birdlife and a wealth of amphibians, reptiles, and insects that reflect the complexity of equatorial ecosystems. For wildlife enthusiasts, Gabon feels immersive and untamed, with encounters shaped as much by the sounds and textures of the rainforest as by the animals themselves.

The country's ecological richness comes from the meeting of multiple habitats in a relatively compact area. Vast lowland rainforests form the core, interrupted by patches of savanna, river systems, and forested mountains that create niches for different species and increase overall biodiversity. Along the Atlantic coast, mangroves, estuaries, and coastal lagoons support fish nurseries, waterbirds, and marine-linked food webs, while long, undeveloped beaches add a dramatic edge where forest and ocean intersect-one of Gabon's most distinctive wildlife settings.

Gabon also plays an outsized role in African and global conservation, with an extensive network of protected areas that safeguards representative ecosystems from deep forest to coastline. This commitment helps maintain habitat connectivity critical for wide-ranging species like elephants and great apes, and it positions Gabon as a key refuge for Congo Basin biodiversity. The wildlife experience here is uniquely "forest-first": tracking and observing animals in dense, humid habitats, combining inland rainforest exploration with coastal and lagoon viewing-often with fewer crowds and a strong sense of exploration compared to classic savanna safaris.

Physical Features

Geography

Gabon's wildlife is shaped by a humid equatorial setting dominated by continuous lowland rainforest, broken by major river basins, swamp forests, and a highly productive Atlantic coastline of lagoons and mangroves. The Ogooué and Ivindo river systems create floodplains, rapids, and gallery forests that structure animal movement and concentrate biodiversity, while coastal wetlands support marine-terrestrial linkages (sea turtles, manatees, birds). Inland plateaus and scattered savanna mosaics (notably in the southeast) form sharp habitat transitions that influence species distributions-supporting classic rainforest fauna (forest elephants, gorillas, chimpanzees) alongside savanna-adapted communities in localized pockets.

257,670 km² (land area) Land Area
~76th largest country by area; about the size of Colorado (USA) Size Rank

Key Landscapes

  • Atlantic coastline with sandy beaches, coastal dunes, and upwelling-influenced nearshore waters (important for sea turtles, cetaceans, fisheries)
  • Coastal lagoons and estuaries (e.g., around Loango/Akanda systems), key for waterbirds, crocodiles, and manatees
  • Mangrove belts along estuaries and lagoon margins, providing nursery habitat and shoreline protection
  • The Ogooué River basin (Gabon's dominant drainage) with broad floodplains, tributary networks, and riparian corridors that channel wildlife movement
  • Ivindo River region with rapids/waterfalls and intact forest blocks (connectivity for great apes and forest megafauna)
  • Western Congolian swamp forests and peat/wetland complexes in low-lying basins, important refuges and dry-season resources
  • Interior lowland rainforest blocks (large, contiguous habitat for forest elephants, great apes, and forest antelope)
  • Inland plateaus and massifs (e.g., Crystal Mountains and the Chaillu Massif) creating elevational gradients, localized endemism, and headwater forests
  • Batéké Plateau and southeastern savanna-forest mosaic landscapes, forming ecotones that support distinct assemblages and fire-influenced habitats

Ecoregions

  • Northwestern Congolian lowland forests (major inland rainforest matrix across much of Gabon)
  • Atlantic Equatorial coastal forests (coastal rainforest belt and near-coastal habitats)
  • Western Congolian swamp forests (swamp and seasonally flooded forests tied to lowland basins)
  • Central African mangroves (mangrove systems along sheltered coasts and estuaries)
  • Congolian forest-savanna mosaic (notably in the southeast/Batéké Plateau region)
Parks & Reserves

Protected Areas

Gabon's protected area system is anchored by a network of 13 National Parks created in 2002 to safeguard representative ecosystems from Atlantic coastal lagoons and mangroves to vast Congo Basin lowland rainforests and savanna mosaics. In addition to national parks, Gabon uses other designations such as faunal/wildlife reserves, forest reserves, and internationally recognized wetlands (Ramsar sites), with several coastal-marine protected areas important for turtles, migratory birds, and fisheries. Management is led nationally (notably through the National Parks Agency, ANPN) with conservation partnerships in key landscapes; community conservancies exist in practice through co-management and community use zones in some areas, but the system is primarily state-designated protected areas.

Protected Coverage

Approximately ~11% of Gabon's land area is under formal protection as National Parks (with additional area under other reserves and Ramsar wetlands increasing overall protected coverage beyond this figure).

Notable Parks & Reserves

Loango National Park

National Park (coastal-marine biodiversity hotspot; overlaps with/adjacent to Ramsar wetland complexes in the Loango-Ogooué coastal zone)

One of Africa's most celebrated wildlife-viewing parks, where rainforest meets beaches, lagoons, and savannas-famous for forest elephants and buffalo on the coast and strong marine megafauna viewing offshore.

Forest elephant
Forest elephant
Western lowland gorilla
Western lowland gorilla
Chimpanzee
Chimpanzee
African buffalo
African buffalo
Hippopotamus
Hippopotamus
Leatherback sea turtle
Leatherback sea turtle
Humpback whale
Humpback whale

Ivindo National Park

National Park

A flagship intact rainforest park centered on the Ivindo River and spectacular waterfalls (e.g., Kongou), supporting high densities of forest wildlife and some of Gabon's best habitat for great apes.

Western lowland gorilla
Western lowland gorilla
Chimpanzee
Chimpanzee
Forest elephant
Forest elephant
Leopard
Leopard
Mandrill
Mandrill
African grey parrot
African grey parrot

Minkébé National Park

National Park

One of the largest and most remote protected forests in Central Africa, critical for long-term conservation of wide-ranging forest elephants and great apes and as a refuge from human pressure.

Forest elephant
Forest elephant
Western lowland gorilla
Western lowland gorilla
Chimpanzee
Chimpanzee
Leopard
Leopard
Giant pangolin
Forest buffalo

Moukalaba-Doudou National Park

National Park

A premier great-ape landscape combining rainforest, riverine habitats, and savannas; noted for research and tourism focused on habituated gorillas/chimpanzees in parts of the park.

Western lowland gorilla
Western lowland gorilla
Chimpanzee
Chimpanzee
Forest elephant
Forest elephant
Leopard
Leopard
Sitatunga
African buffalo
African buffalo

Mayumba National Park

National Park (major marine turtle nesting area)

A key Atlantic nesting coastline for marine turtles, with adjacent lagoons and nearshore waters supporting rich coastal biodiversity and seasonal whale presence.

Leatherback sea turtle
Leatherback sea turtle
Olive ridley sea turtle
Green sea turtle
Humpback whale
Humpback whale
Atlantic humpback dolphin
African manatee

Akanda National Park

National Park (contains/adjacent to Ramsar-designated wetlands in the Gabon Estuary/Mondah Bay area)

A mangrove-and-estuary stronghold near Libreville, internationally important for migratory waterbirds and as a nursery for fish and crustaceans in the Gabon Estuary.

African manatee
Atlantic humpback dolphin
African fish eagle
African fish eagle
Pink-backed pelican
Royal tern
Nile crocodile
Nile crocodile

Wonga-Wongué (Faunal/Wildlife Reserve)

Faunal/Wildlife Reserve (often cited among Gabon's key coastal conservation landscapes; includes extensive wetlands, some of which are Ramsar-recognized)

A large coastal wilderness of savannas, forests, and lagoons that functions as a major refuge for forest elephants and other mammals and is significant for wetland-dependent species.

Forest elephant
Forest elephant
African buffalo
African buffalo
Hippopotamus
Hippopotamus
Leopard
Leopard
Sitatunga
Western lowland gorilla
Western lowland gorilla

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

  • Ecosystem and Relict Cultural Landscape of Lopé-Okanda (mixed cultural/natural World Heritage site)
Animals

Wildlife

Gabon is one of Africa's most wildlife-rich forest countries, dominated by Congo Basin lowland rainforest but also featuring savannas, flooded forests, mangroves, and a highly productive Atlantic coastline. This mix supports an unusually complete "forest megafauna" community-forest elephants, great apes, leopards, and large forest antelopes-plus standout coastal spectacles such as nesting sea turtles and seasonal humpback whales. A large national park network (notably Lopé, Ivindo, Loango, Akanda, and Pongara) protects many of the country's most intact ecosystems, making Gabon a flagship destination for rainforest safaris and coastal wildlife viewing.

~190-200 species (exceptionally strong rainforest mammal diversity, including great apes and forest megafauna) Mammals
~700-750 species (forest specialists plus waterbirds of lagoons, rivers, and coasts) Birds
~120-160 species (crocodiles, monitor lizards, sea turtles, and many forest snakes) Reptiles
~80-110 species (high rainforest frog diversity; many Lower Guinea endemics) Amphibians

Iconic Species

African Forest Elephant
African Forest Elephant Gabon is one of the most important remaining strongholds for forest elephants, with famous viewing in Loango National Park where elephants can be seen on beaches, in coastal savannas, and forest edges.
Western Lowland Gorilla
Western Lowland Gorilla A signature Congo Basin species in Gabon's protected forests; best-known opportunities include habituation/research-linked viewing areas (where available) and strong populations in parks such as Ivindo and Lopé.
Central Chimpanzee Widespread in Gabon's rainforests and a key part of the great-ape experience; encountered in large forest blocks including Lopé and Ivindo (often heard more than seen).
Mandrill
Mandrill Gabon is one of the world's best places to encounter mandrills; large troops are particularly associated with the Lopé landscape mosaic, where forest meets savanna.
Leopard
Leopard A top predator of Gabon's forests and savannas; most often detected by tracks and camera traps, with occasional sightings in more open areas of Loango and Lopé.
African Forest Buffalo Common in forest clearings, swampy areas, and savannas; Loango's open habitats and forest-savanna edges offer some of the better chances to see them.
Sitatunga A swamp- and lagoon-adapted antelope that typifies Gabon's flooded forests and marshes; seen around wetlands and forested waterways, including Loango's lagoon systems.
Leatherback Sea Turtle
Leatherback Sea Turtle Gabon's Atlantic beaches host globally important nesting, with major activity in and around Pongara and Mayumba during the nesting season-one of the country's premier wildlife spectacles.
Humpback Whale
Humpback Whale Seasonal migrants use Gabon's coastal waters for breeding/calving; whale watching is best along the coast (notably near Loango and other marine-influenced protected areas) during peak season.

Endemic Species

Sun-tailed Guenon Endemic to Gabon; a distinctive forest monkey with a relatively restricted range, strongly associated with central Gabon's forest regions (notably within/around Lopé landscapes). Endemic
Ogooue (Southern) Talapoin A small, riverine monkey of the Lower Guinea region; found in Gabon and the Republic of the Congo, closely tied to waterways and swamp forests of the Ogooue basin. Endemic
Andre's Clawed Frog A clawed frog species of the Lower Guinea rainforest region, recorded from Gabon and neighboring countries. Endemic
Grey-necked Rockfowl A rare, near-endemic forest bird of the Lower Guinea biome (Gabon and nearby countries), famed for its unusual nesting on rocky outcrops in dense rainforest. Endemic

Notable Populations

  • One of the largest remaining strongholds for African forest elephants globally, with nationally important populations in multiple protected areas.
  • Internationally significant Atlantic nesting beaches for leatherback sea turtles (and other sea turtles), with some of the highest nesting densities in the region.
  • Exceptional Congo Basin great-ape landscapes supporting both western lowland gorillas and central chimpanzees across large, contiguous forests.
  • Loango National Park is globally famous for 'forest megafauna on the coast'-elephants, buffalo, and other wildlife using beach, lagoon, and forest-edge habitats in a way seen in few places.
Protection

Conservation

Primary Threats

  • Commercial and subsistence hunting for bushmeat remains a major pressure in forest regions, especially along logging roads and around settlements and work camps. It affects great apes, duikers and other forest mammals, and can also indirectly reduce prey for large carnivores and disrupt ecosystem processes (e.g., seed dispersal).
  • Illegal wildlife trade-especially ivory from forest elephants and trafficking of pangolins and other protected species-has been a persistent threat, with trafficking routes linked to ports and borders. Even with strong laws, organized networks and the ease of moving products via transport corridors create enforcement challenges.
  • Industrial selective logging and associated road networks fragment habitat and dramatically increase access to remote forests, amplifying hunting pressure and human disturbance. While parts of the sector operate under management plans/certification, enforcement quality and cumulative impacts (roads, camps, secondary clearing) remain key issues.
  • Expansion of mining (notably manganese and other minerals) drives localized deforestation, water pollution risks, and new infrastructure (roads/rail) that can open intact landscapes. Mining footprints and associated settlements can also intensify hunting and land-use change around concession areas.
  • Roads, rail lines, and associated development corridors increase fragmentation and human access. In Gabon's forest context, the indirect effects-facilitating poaching/bushmeat trade and settlement expansion-are often more damaging than the direct footprint of the infrastructure itself.
  • Oil and gas operations (including offshore and coastal activities near sensitive lagoons and mangroves) pose chronic and accidental spill risks, while urban/industrial waste affects coastal waters near major population/industrial centers (e.g., Libreville, Port-Gentil). Pollution can degrade mangroves, estuaries, and nearshore fisheries habitats.
  • Industrial and artisanal fishing pressure in Gabon's coastal waters can deplete key stocks and increase bycatch risks for sea turtles and other marine wildlife. Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing is a concern given the size of the EEZ and surveillance constraints.
  • Forest elephants and other wildlife can damage crops and property around village landscapes and agricultural plots at forest edges, leading to retaliatory killings or pressure to reduce protections. Conflict is often acute where farms expand along roads and near protected-area boundaries.
  • Although Gabon remains heavily forested, localized agricultural expansion (including smallholder farming and some industrial crops in suitable zones) contributes to forest-edge fragmentation and increases human-wildlife conflict and access for hunters.
  • Climate change threatens Gabon through shifts in rainfall patterns affecting forest dynamics, increased stress on coastal ecosystems (mangroves, lagoons) via sea-level rise and coastal erosion, and potential impacts on species distributions-especially in low-lying coastal protected areas.
  • Disease outbreaks (including Ebola in the broader Congo Basin context) can severely impact great ape populations and may complicate conservation fieldwork and tourism. Disease risk can be heightened by increased human-wildlife contact along expanding access routes.
  • Beyond hunting, disturbance from work camps, settlement growth near concessions, and increasing visitation/use in some coastal and park areas can disrupt sensitive species (nesting turtles, great apes) if not managed with zoning, seasonal restrictions, and enforcement.
  • Alteration of wetlands and coastal habitats (mangrove cutting, shoreline modification, dredging near ports/industrial sites) can degrade nursery habitats for fish and reduce resilience of lagoons and estuaries that are central to Gabon's coastal biodiversity.
  • Urban growth around Libreville and other hubs increases demand for bushmeat, timber, sand/aggregates, and coastal development, raising pressure on nearby forests, wetlands, and beaches (including sea turtle nesting areas) and increasing pollution loads.
Visit

Wildlife Tourism

Gabon is one of Africa's most biodiverse, least-crowded wildlife destinations-an Atlantic-coast, forest-dominated country where rainforests, savannas, mangroves, and coastal lagoons protect forest elephants, western lowland gorillas, chimpanzees, mandrills, and a standout mix of whales, dolphins, and nesting sea turtles. Wildlife tourism is smaller than in East/Southern Africa but strategically important: it supports guiding, lodge operations, transport, community jobs, and conservation finance, while reinforcing Gabon's long-standing policy focus on protected areas and sustainable natural-resource management. A major milestone was the creation of a national park network (early 2000s), which put large, intact ecosystems under formal protection and helped position Gabon as a high-value, low-volume destination. Accessibility is improving but remains more expeditionary: most trips start via flights into Libreville (and sometimes Port-Gentil/Franceville), then connect by light aircraft/charter, 4x4, and-crucially-boats for coastal and wetland areas. Expect travel times, logistics, and costs to be higher than classic savanna circuits, with the payoff being rare species, primeval scenery, and very low visitor numbers.

Best Time to Visit
  • Key seasons are defined by rainfall and ocean conditions; exact timing can vary by year.
  • June-September (main dry season; cooler, drier): Best all-round window for rainforest trekking and tracking and for easier logistics. - What to see/do: Better trail conditions for gorilla/chimp trekking (less mud), improved road access, strong birding, and good chances of forest-elephant sign along edges/clearings. - Bonus: This period overlaps strongly with the main humpback whale season offshore (often July-October, with peak months varying by location and year).
  • July-October (dry season into early rains; peak marine): Top time for marine wildlife along the coast. - What to see/do: Humpback whales on boat excursions; dolphins are possible year-round but conditions are often easier in calmer seas.
  • October-December (main rainy season; hotter, wetter): Travel can be more challenging due to heavy rain, but rainforest scenery is at its lushest. - What to see/do: Rainforest wildlife viewing is still possible with planning; some areas may have access disruptions.
  • January-February (short dry season): Often a useful shoulder period with generally improved conditions between rainy seasons. - What to see/do: A good option for combining forest activities and coastal time, depending on local conditions.
  • March-May (secondary rainy season): Wetter conditions return and logistics can be more difficult. - What to see/do: Best for travelers prioritizing lush rainforest conditions and fewer visitors, but expect tougher access in some regions. Sea turtle note (varies by species and beach): Nesting in Gabon commonly peaks roughly November-February on key protected beaches. Practical tip: For a first Gabon wildlife trip, target July-September for the best balance of access + rainforest tracking + marine options.

Top Wildlife Experiences

  • Track western lowland gorillas with specialist guides (small groups, early starts, strict viewing protocols) in a habituation/research-supported area where permitted.
  • Follow chimpanzee ranging routes at dawn to hear pant-hoots and observe feeding/forest behavior, often combined with forest botany and sign-reading (nests, knuckle prints, fruiting trees).
  • Take a coastal boat safari to search for humpback whales (breaching, tail slaps, mother-calf pairs) and dolphins, with dedicated marine naturalists where available.
  • Do a guided sea turtle beach walk at night to witness nesting (or at dawn to read tracks and predation signs), focusing on low-impact viewing and red-light etiquette.
  • Join a forest elephant tracking walk along natural clearings, forest-savanna edges, or beach/lagoon corridors, learning to interpret fresh spoor, dung age, feeding sign, and wind direction.
  • Canoe or small-boat exploration through mangroves and coastal lagoons to spot waterbirds, crocodiles, sitatunga habitat, and primates at the forest edge.
  • Spend time at a mineral lick/forest clearing (bai-style viewing where present) for patient observation of elephants, buffalo, and forest species coming to drink and forage.
  • Hike to waterfalls or rocky outcrops in rainforest landscapes with a wildlife focus-listening for hornbills and primates and scanning canopy layers for movement.
  • Night drives or spotlight walks (where allowed) to look for nocturnal fauna such as galagos, pottos, genets, civets, and amphibians after rain.
  • Cultural-conservation day with local trackers and communities: learn traditional forest skills, sustainable fishing methods in lagoon areas, and how ecotourism supports protection efforts. (Arrange through reputable operators.)

Safari Types Available

  • Guided rainforest walks/treks (primate and forest elephant tracking; sign interpretation; canopy and understory birding)
  • Primate-focused tracking/observation (gorilla and chimpanzee experiences where permitted; often research-linked)
  • Boat safaris (coastal lagoons, mangroves, rivers; birding and crocodile habitat)
  • Marine wildlife cruises (humpback whale and dolphin watching; seasonal)
  • Beach wildlife experiences (sea turtle nesting/track walks; coastal ecology)
  • 4x4 game drives in savanna-forest mosaic areas (where road networks and open habitats allow; often combined with walking)
  • Night safaris/spotlighting (in designated areas and seasons; strong for nocturnal mammals and herps)
  • Birding safaris (forest specialists, mangrove/coastal birds, riverine species; best with expert guides)
  • Photography-focused expeditions (slow-paced tracking, hides/clearings, beach and marine work; logistics-heavy but rewarding)
  • Multi-ecosystem itineraries (forest + lagoon + coast in one trip, using flights/boats/4x4 to link remote protected areas)
Fun Facts

Did You Know?

"Safari at the surf": In **Loango National Park**, wildlife viewing can include **forest elephants and hippos walking and feeding on open Atlantic beaches**, a rare land-sea crossover scene that looks more like a coastal documentary than a rainforest one.

They're not "just" small savanna elephants: genetic and anatomical work recognizes Gabon's rainforest elephants as a **separate species (African forest elephant)**-typically **smaller, darker, and with straighter, downward-pointing tusks** adapted to moving through dense forest.

Whales close to the capital: Each year **humpback whales** migrate to Gabon's coastal waters to **breed and calve** (generally **July-October**), and they're sometimes visible surprisingly close to shore during the season.

Mandrill megagroups: Long-term research around **Lopé National Park** has documented **"super-troops" of mandrills** numbering **in the hundreds to over 1,000 individuals**, making the sound and movement of a single group feel like an entire ecosystem on the move.

Forest-elephant stronghold: Gabon is widely cited as holding roughly **half of the world's remaining African forest elephants** (Loxodonta cyclotis), making it the single most important country for the species' survival.

Sea-turtle record: Gabon's Atlantic beaches (notably around **Mayumba National Park**) host **one of the largest leatherback turtle nesting aggregations on Earth**, with estimates often in the **tens of thousands of nests per season** and sometimes cited as a major share of the global total.

Protected-areas milestone: In 2002 Gabon created **13 national parks** in one move, and today protected areas cover **about ~11% of the country's land**-one of the **highest national-park coverage ratios in Africa**, set up specifically to safeguard biodiversity.

Snake hardware champion: The **Gaboon viper** (Bitis gabonica), named for the region, is famous for having the **longest fangs of any venomous snake** (reported up to **~5 cm / ~2 inches**), an outsized adaptation for ambushing large prey in forest leaf litter.

The tropical rainforest, savanna, grassland, and river habitats of Gabon are home to many types of unique wildlife. Western lowland gorillas, hippopotamus, and leopards are some of Gabon’s most notable animals. Some of the other interesting animals in this African country include buffalo, leopards, snakes, humpback whales, jackals, crocodiles, the White-crested Hornbill, mongoose, and civets to list just a few!

Gabon has 604 bird species, 200 plus mammal species, 139 reptile species, 98 amphibian species, and 799 species of fish.

The Official National Animal of Gabon

The national animal of Gabon is the black panther. This big cat symbolizes the strength and courage of the people of Gabon.

The black panther is not an individual species. Instead, these unique animals are leopards with a color variation caused by what’s known as the agouti gene. Specifically, instead of having the familiar tan coat and black spots of a leopard, a black panther has more than the usual black pigment making their coat appear all black. However, if you look closely, you can see a spotted design in a black panther’s coat.

The Most Dangerous Animals in Gabon Today

Gabon has a diverse collection of unusual wildlife that includes both mild-mannered and potentially dangerous animals. In certain situations, some animals act more aggressively than others. Look at some of the most dangerous animals in Gabon.

  • Gaboon Viper – These snakes are at the top of the list for many reasons. For one, their two-inch fangs are the longest of all venomous snakes. Also, these snakes release the second-highest amount of venom of all poisonous snakes. The king cobra claims the first-place spot. One average dose of venom from a Gaboon viper would be enough to kill a man who isn’t able to get medical treatment. As a note, though its venom is potentially fatal, these snakes are considered non-aggressive and would likely try to hide or escape before biting someone.
  • Hippopotamus – When you think of a hippo you may picture a cute, slow-moving animal playing in a river. But they are one of the most dangerous animals in Gabon as well as in other African countries. Both males and females can weigh from 3,000 to 4,000 pounds and have powerful jaws along with long, spiky teeth. Their size combined with their tendency to become aggressive when someone enters their territory is what makes them very dangerous. They are well-known for their unpredictable behavior. It’s estimated that hippos cause 3,000 deaths each year in Africa.
  • Forest Elephant – This is the world’s largest land animal and another seemingly unlikely addition to a most dangerous animals list. But these elephants can charge and trample a human under their tremendous weight. Plus, they can use their tremendous tusks to severely injure a person. They are especially aggressive if they feel their young are being threatened. These elephants are responsible for around 500 human deaths each year in Africa.
  • African buffalos – An African buffalo with its large horns and strong, powerful body can injure or kill a human fairly easily. In addition, they are known to have an aggressive nature when it comes to people entering what they consider to be their territory. These unique mammals are responsible for around 200 human deaths each year.

Where to Find the Top Wild Animals in Gabon

From tropical rainforests to savannas to rivers, Gabon has a variety of habitats filled with unique wildlife. Discover some of the top wild animals living in Gabon.

  • Western Lowland Gorilla – These gorillas live in a tropical forest habitat. They can be seen in Gabon’s Loango National Park.
  • African Forest Elephants – These incredible mammals live in tropical rainforests. Many of them live in Loango National Park.
  • Sun-Tailed Monkey – Known for the orange section of hair on its tail, this monkey lives in lowland moist forests. It can be observed living in Pongara National Park.
  • Hawksbill Sea Turtle – These sea turtles live in bays and on beaches. Pongara National Park and Loango National Park are two parks dedicated to wildlife conservation. They provide a protected place for these turtles to live.
  • Vermiculated Fishing Owl – This owl lives in forests that border rivers and marshy areas. Loango National Park is one place to see these unique animals.
  • Leopard – The tropical rainforest is the habitat of leopards in Gabon. Loango National Park and Lope National Park are both places to see leopards.

Endangered Animals in Gabon

In the African country of Gabon, there are some endangered animals. Over the years, poaching and habitat loss have contributed to decreasing the population of some animals in Gabon. Fortunately, there are national parks dedicated to wildlife conservation. These parks provide shelter for these amazing creatures that may otherwise have become extinct. Some of the endangered animals in Gabon include:

Animals Found in Gabon

143 species documented in our encyclopedia

Aardvark African Civet African Fish Eagle African Forest Elephant African Golden Cat African Grey Parrot African Jacana African Palm Civet African Tree Toad Agama Lizard Angelfish Antelope Ape Armyworm Australian Firehawk Baboon Barn Owl Barn Swallow Bee-Eater Bichir Bird Snake Blacktip Shark  Blind Snake Boas Boiga Bonefish Bongo Booby Boomslang Box Jellyfish Buffalo Bull Shark Bush Baby Bush Viper Butterfly Fish Caecilian Cane Rat Carp Chameleon Chimpanzee Cichlid Cobras Crocodile Crocodylomorph Cuckoo De Brazza's Monkey Dolphin Dormouse Dwarf Crocodile Electric Catfish Elephant Eurasian Sparrowhawk European Bee-Eater Fiddler Crab Flycatcher Forest Cobra Freshwater Eel Fruit Bat Gaboon Viper Gecko Genet Ghost Crab Golden Mole Golden Oriole Goliath Beetle Goliath Grouper Goose Gorilla Great Egret Grey Heron Guinea Fowl Hedgehog Hermit Crab Herring Hippopotamus Honey Badger Honey Bee Hornbill Jacana Jack Crevalle Jackal John Dory Kestrel Killifish Lappet-faced Vulture Leopard Lesser Jacana Lizard Loris Lungfish Mamba Manatee Mandrill Mongoose Monitor Lizard Monkey Moorhen Mouse-Deer (Chevrotain) Mudskipper Nile Crocodile Nile Monitor Otter Pangolin Panther Parrot Partridge Pond Skater Porcupine Porcupinefish Puff Adder Python Red-Billed Quelea Bird Rhino Viper Rhombic Egg-Eater Snake River Turtle Sardines Sawfish Sea Eagle Sedge Warbler Serval Spanish Mackerel Sparrow Spinner Shark Spitting Cobra Squirrelfish Stiletto Snake Stonechats Stork Tailless Whip Scorpion Tarantula Tarpon Tortoise Tree Viper (Bamboo Viper) Tsetse Fly Turaco Vine Snake Vinegaroon Viper Waterbuck Weaver Birds Western Gorilla Western Lowland Gorilla Whimbrel

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