The Leketi-Mbama is a unique inland wetland with a mixture of varied habitats including lakes, marshes and floodplains. It supports a wide range of animals including the critically endangered western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla), the endangered chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes), the vulnerable hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) and the African elephant (Loxondonta africana). Its flora, characterized by floating meadows, savannah and swamp forests, also provides a safe haven for migratory bird species including the African darter (Anhinga rufa) and the woolly-necked stork (Ciconia episcopus). It also hosts a diverse wealth of fish species, with more than 15 species recorded. The main hydrological function of the site is groundwater recharge: it retains about 35% of the direct precipitation occurring in the area. Traditional agriculture, fishing, hunting and collection of non-timber forest products are some of the activities in the Site. The major threats are illegal hunting and uncontrolled tree-cutting. The Site has no management plan at present although the critical status of the gorilla population underlines the urgency of such planning. However it benefits from the provisions of the Congolese Land and Forest Code and the resident customary laws.

Departement de la Cuvette-Ouest