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The Ôbo National Park was created to protect Sao Tome and Principe islands unique natural heritage. Covering almost 60% of the islands territory, the Park offers dramatic landscapes with torrents and waterfalls on its slopes, luxuriant mountains which culminates in Pico de São Tomé (2,024 m), sheer cliffs over the sea, as well as primary rainforests filled with exotic birds and lush vegetation. There are over 700 species of native plants (include 100 unique orchids) and 143 birds, many of which are only found in Sao Tome. The WWF (World Wilde Fund for Nature) classified the Sao Tome and Principe forests as one of the world 200 Eco-region, that means: as one of the world 200 most important biodiversity area. Given that many of Eco-region cover widespread areas (the forest of the Congo basin, for example), the presence of Sao Tome and Principe in this list testefies its exceptional nature. Sao Tome and Principe, with about 1000 km2, has 28 species of endemic birds. Only Sao Tome has 21 endemic species. This is an extraordinary number because islands with the similar dimensions usually have 1 to 2 endemic bird species. The number of endemic birds has led the BirdLife International to classifies each island as a 'Endemic Bird Area' (EBA), and both islands are the only ocean small islands between the first 25% EBA’s of the world. An abundance of beautiful ferns and orchids makes the Sao Tome and Principe Forests a treat to the senses. Colorful butterflies fill the skies, and the forests are bustling with a noisy chorus of endemic birds. At dusk, the darkened forests are teeming with bats feasting on succulent fruits. For those of us who enjoy trekking the rain forest and hiking luxuriant montane, the island provides excellent possibilities. - Endemic Bird List
- Trekking/Hikking Itinenary
- Birding
| - Turtles Protection Program
- Gulf of Guinea Conservation Group
- ECOFAC
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