Anubias Bay, Lufimi River, Congo basin, DRC

Environment

Environment

Untouched

Surrounding area

The vegetation is diverse, with an estimated 1,500 to 2,000 species of vascular plants, of which about 10% are endemic to the ecoregion. The above-water environment is a mosaic of forests with mixed moist evergreen and semi-evergreen tropical forest components along causeways and various landforms. In the south, the forests become drier and there is a smooth transition into a mosaic of savanna forests. Evergreen forests are dominated by stands of Gilbertiodendron dewevrei.

Underwater landscape

Lufimi is a black water river, but in the bay it is crystal clear. Throughout the bay, exclusively Anubias grow, which, in combination with white sand, stones and natural driftwood, create an amazing underwater landscape.

Fishes:

• Ctenopoma acutirostre (Anabantidae)
• Phenacogrammus interruptus (Alestidae)

Plants:

• Anubias heterophylla (Araceae)

Threats to ecology

Much of the ecoregion is virtually untouched. Some forests have been lost due to agriculture and logging, but overall forest losses are minor and not considered a major threat. Average monthly temperatures range from 23-25° to 21-26°C, annual precipitation is 1500-2000mm or more.

Riparian zone

Trees near the aquatic habitat

Many -