Guinea - Biosphere Reserve of the Bijagos Archipelago

The Bissau-Guinean territory is divided into two main zones: the continental zone and the island zone, commonly known as the Bijagós Archipelago, made up of 88 islands and islets, of which 23 are inhabited. It is the richest area in Guinea-Bissau, in terms of biodiversity. The Bolama-Bijagos Archipelago occupies a total area of ​​more than 10,000 km2, including 1,600 km2 of intertidal areas (sandbanks and mudflats). Ten percent (10%) of this area (including 350 km2 of mangroves), which accounts for almost one-third (1/3) of the island's area, is considered to be land-based. The climate is characterized by the existence of two well-differentiated seasons: the dry season (November to April) and the rainy season (May to October). The latter is characterized by abundant rainfall which oscillates between 2000 and 2500 mm per year. The average temperature is 26 ° C and the relative humidity is 70%. The fauna is rich and diverse. The marine fauna is represented by more than 155 species of fish. There are all kinds of rare and endangered species including endangered species protected by global treaties, such as: the manatee (Trichechus senegalensis), the hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius), the crocodile ( Crocodylus niloticus), the dolphin (Delfinidae), as well as all kinds of migratory birds.