Vegetation and wildlife of Congo
The Republic of the Congo contains rich biodiversity with vast numbers of endemic species. The wider Congo River Basin has earned a global reputation for the variety of wildlife found inside its forests.[1]
The tropical region
A large portion of the Republic of Congo is tropical rainforest. The forest is split into several sections, the first being low lying branches of large evergreen trees. The next level contains smaller trees and plants. Under that level lies bushes and ferns. The floor of this region consists of mainly ferns, vines, and roots that twist and turn throughout different vegetation.[2] Roughly 69% of the country consists of forest areas.[3]
Flora
Congo plants include some of the most diverse and rich environments and the largest forest areas, with only the Democratic Republic of the Congo being more diverse. There are about 6,000 plant species in the country. Major forest species of plants include bromeliads, Venus flytraps, ferns, orchids, buttress roots, and Kapok trees. Ancient mahogany trees can also be found, some of which date back hundreds of years.