Conservation

Common Waxbill Estrilda astrild

an introduced species on São Tomé and Príncipe

Photo: John Caddick

Much of the original forest of these islands has been cleared for cultivation below 800m. In common with many islands, new plant species and domestic animals have been introduced.

The Obo National Parks on both islands include montane and lowland forests, mangroves and savanna and offer a measure of protection to the endemic bird species.

São Tomé and Príncipe is party to a number of international treaties including Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species and Environmental Modification.

There are however many conservation related issues such as deforestation and soil erosion. None of the islands nor the IBAs were formally protected as late as the mid 1990s.

degraded habitat near the north coast of the island of São Tomé

Photo: John Caddick