Our Partners & Collaborators
This project commenced in partnership with our sister company, The Aspinall Foundation, and the Gabonese National Parks Agency in 1998, where they facilitated the reintroduction of the western lowland gorilla into the national park.
Restoring Gabon’s Biodiversity Gem: The Batéké Plateau
Introducing the Batéké Plateau
This ancient volcanic area and wilderness expanse straddle the border between the Republic of Congo and Gabon. The Bateke Plateau National Park (PNPB), located in southeastern Gabon, covers 2,034 km² (785 sq mi). The park’s wildlife includes forest elephants, forest buffalos, various antelope and monkey species, sitatungas, leopards, three species of crocodiles, chimpanzees, gorillas, and several marine turtle species nesting along the coast. As of 2002, there were at least 190 species of mammals.
The park is situated at the transition between the lush Gabonese rainforest and the savannah dominated Batéké Plateau of the Republic of the Congo. It offers breathtaking views of narrow stretches of forest along the banks of the Mpassa River, known as gallery forests, meandering into the savannah.
A Birdwatcher's Paradise
The Bateke Plateau National Park is not only a haven for large mammals but also a paradise for bird enthusiasts. The land reaches heights of 860m, characterized by an almost desert-like terrain where erosion has sculpted canyons, known locally as cirques. This unique landscape provides a habitat for a diverse array of bird species.
Birdwatchers can delight in spotting rare species like the Angola Batis, black-collared bulbul, and Finsch’s francolin. Some birds, such as the Congo moor-chat, are endemic to this region, making it a truly special destination for ornithologists and nature lovers alike.
Landscape Restoration
WeWild Africa is dedicated to wildlife rescue, animal rewilding, and landscape restoration. Our three pillars are interdependent. Wildlife needs places to live, from a few thousand hectares on a private game reserve to vast wilderness stretching hundreds of kilometers, like this special place in Gabon.
Our sister foundation has successfully reintroduced the western lowland gorilla into the national park, along with chimpanzees, leopards, elephants, and giant pangolins. Now, we are witnessing more animals returning on their own, as verified by camera traps. This includes lions, mandrills, and even a spotted hyena, seen for the first time in two decades in 2017. Today, Batéké is the only park within Gabon’s protected areas network where savannah-dwelling servals, jackals, and bush duikers coexist. It’s also the only park with four species of wild cats and large carnivores like lions and spotted hyenas.
We are thrilled to continue our efforts in 2024, focusing on landscape restoration, capacity building, local community development and training, and the rewilding of numerous more species. Our goal is to revive this incredible biodiversity hotspot and establish it as a globally renowned eco-tourism destination. Join us.
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Wiki West
- January 11, 2024
