Mangroves National Park

Mangroves National Park
Réserve marine de Muanda
Map showing the location of Mangroves National Park Réserve marine de Muanda
Map showing the location of Mangroves National Park Réserve marine de Muanda
LocationDemocratic Republic of the Congo
Coordinates5°45′S 12°45′E / 5.750°S 12.750°E / -5.750; 12.750
Area768 km2
Established1992
Governing bodyl'Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature (ICCN)
Official nameParc national des Mangroves
Designated18 January 1996
Reference no.788[1]
Parc marin des Mangroves, Muanda, DRC, central Kongo, August 23, 2022

Mangroves National Park (also French: Parc marin des Mangroves or Muanda Marine Reserve) is a protected area and Ramsar wetland in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is the country's only marine park and is notable for its mangrove forests. It provides protection to the endangered manatee population situated at the mouth of the Congo River.[2] These mangroves are distinct from the ones found in South Asia. They form a separate type of mangrove forests, which are typical to the Democratic Republic of Congo.[citation needed] The park was established in 1992.[2]

Geography

At 768 km2 (297 sq mi) in size, the park is DR Congo's smallest protected area.[2]

Flora and fauna

In addition to the manatee, the area supports hippopotamuses, crocodiles, snakes,[2] and Southern reedbuck. The bushbuck may also be present.[3]

References

  1. ^ "Parc national des Mangroves". Ramsar Sites Information Service. Retrieved 25 April 2018.
  2. ^ a b c d Rorison, Sean (2008). Bradt Congo: Democratic Republic - Republic. Bradt Travel Guides. pp. 120–121. ISBN 978-1-84162-233-0.
  3. ^ East, Rod (1990). Antelopes: West and Central Africa. 1990. International Union for Conservation of Nature. pp. 131, 135–. ISBN 978-2-8317-0016-8. Retrieved 18 May 2013.