Gabon

Gabon's biodiversity significance stems from its position within the Congo Basin, harboring approximately 85% forest cover across 267,667 square kilometers. The country encompasses critical ecosystems including the Guineo-Congolian rainforests, Atlantic coastal forests, and extensive mangrove systems along its 800-kilometer coastline. Gabon's forests support exceptional plant endemism, particularly in the Crystal Mountains and Monts de Cristal regions. According to IUCN Red List 2025 data, all 10 assessed plant species are threatened, alongside the single assessed insect species, indicating severe conservation concerns within evaluated taxa. Primary threats include selective logging operations targeting valuable timber species like okoumé and azobé, which fragment forest connectivity. Coastal development pressures mangrove ecosystems, while artisanal mining activities in the interior degrade terrestrial habitats. Agricultural expansion, though limited compared to neighboring countries, increasingly impacts forest margins. Gabon's trajectory shows mixed signals. While deforestation rates remain relatively low compared to regional averages, the complete threat status of assessed species suggests vulnerable endemic populations. The government's commitment to maintaining forest cover through sustainable forestry concessions and protected area expansion provides optimism, yet enforcement challenges and economic pressures from extractive industries continue threatening biodiversity hotspots, particularly in areas with high plant endemism.