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{{short description|none}} <!-- "none" is preferred when the title is sufficiently descriptive; see [[WP:SDNONE]] -->
[[File:Location Cape Verde AU Africa.svg|thumb|right|300px|Location of Cape Verde]]
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2020}}
[[File:Serra Malagueta CV.jpg|right|thumb|325px|The Serra Malagueta mountain range in the northern part of the island of [[Santiago, Cape Verde|Santiago]]]]
[[File:Picos, Cape Verde.jpg|thumb|right|325px|Santiago island. The wetter climate of the interior and the eastern coast contrasts with the dryer one in the south/southwest coast]]
[[File:Location Cape Verde AU Africa.svg|thumb|right|Location of Cape Verde]]
[[File:Serra Malagueta CV.jpg|right|thumb|The Serra Malagueta mountain range in the northern part of the island of [[Santiago, Cape Verde|Santiago]]]]
The '''wildlife of Cape Verde''' is spread over its [[archipelago]] of ten islands and three [[islets]], which all have parks under their jurisdiction by decree promulgated by the [[Cape Verde]] government. Located off the west coast of [[Africa]], the total land area of the island nation is {{convert|4564|km2}}. The wildlife consists of many tropical dry forest and shrub land, endemic flora and fauna, and rare breeding seabirds and plants, which are unique to this group of islands.<ref name=Verde>{{WWF ecoregion|id=at0201|name=Cape Verde Islands dry forests|accessdate= 3 April 2011}}</ref><ref name=Bird>{{cite web|url=http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/ebafactsheet.php?id=79|title=Cape Verde Islands|accessdate=3 April 2011|publisher=Birdlife International}}</ref><ref name=cbd>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbd.int/doc/world/cv/cv-nr-03-en.pdf|format=PDF|title=Third report (Cape Verde)|pages= 3–6, 14, 59, 83–84, 98|accessdate=3 April 2011|publisher= cbd.int/doc/world}}</ref>
[[File:Picos, Cape Verde.jpg|thumb|right|Santiago island. The wetter climate of the interior and the eastern coast contrasts with the dryer one in the south/southwest coast]]
The '''wildlife of Cape Verde''' is found across its [[archipelago]] of ten islands and three [[islets]], albeit in smaller numbers of species than mainland Africa. Each volcanic island within the archipelago is unique, and each of them have parks under their jurisdiction, by decree promulgated by the Cape Verde government. Located just off the west coast of Africa, the total land area of the island nation is {{convert|4564|km2}}.


With the exception of [[bats]], there are no truly endemic species of mammal on Cabo Verde; historically, the archipelago was only accessible to creatures with the ability to fly or swim, or (in later years) to be brought by humans. The islands were first explored in 1456, but not actually settled until 1462; humans brought their [[livestock]] with them, including [[donkeys]], [[pigs]], [[cattle]] and [[goats]]—many of the latter are now so wild, they resemble mainland [[ibex]], and are (more or less) considered [[endemism|endemic]] “by default”.
Some of the wildlife species of Cape Verde are considered as endemic, evolving over millions of years of isolation; the [[grey-headed kingfisher]] (''Halcyon leucocephala'') survived here on insects in the absence of water in the lands of the islands.<ref name="IrwinWilson2009">{{cite book|author1=Aisling Irwin|author2=Colum Wilson|title=Cape Verde Islands|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eJKxRVu1390C&pg=PA39|accessdate=3 April 2011|date=25 March 2009|publisher=Bradt Travel Guides|isbn=978-1-84162-276-7|pages=38–41}}</ref>


In the centuries since settlement began, more mainland species (such as the green [[vervet monkey]], cats, dogs, mice, rats and rabbits) would make their way with waves of settlers. There are no [[snakes]] present on the archipelago, which has allowed for the proliferation of many other species of other [[Herpetology|herpetiles]], such as geckos, frogs and lizards. The main predators of these [[reptiles]] and [[amphibians]] would be (besides each other) the various [[birds of prey]] and raptors present, including the [[Egyptian vulture]], [[Eurasian buzzard]], [[kestrel]], [[osprey]], [[peregrine falcon]], and the rare [[Cape Verde kite]]. This kite species is currently threatened by extinction but may yet be observed on [[Boa Vista, Cape Verde|Boa Vista]] and [[Maio, Cape Verde|Maio]].
In the process of development, many lands in the islands were converted to agricultural fields and several hundred varieties of [[herbaceous plant]] and tree species were introduced, resulting in depletion of the original vegetation. However, efforts are now underway at reforestation to improve the wildlife of Cape Verde, with reported planting of three million new trees every year (about 7000 per day), with [[pine]], [[oak]], [[Castanea sativa|sweet chestnut]] and [[acacia]] as the prominent varieties being planted.<ref name=Bird/><ref name="IrwinWilson2009"/> Cape Verde is also one of the world's top ten [[coral reef]] [[Biodiversity hotspot]]s.<ref name="LNT">{{cite web|url=http://lntreasures.com/cv.html|title=Cape Verde|publisher=Living National Treasures|accessdate=3 April 2011}}</ref>

The flora consists of tropical dry forests, scrub land, [[Mediterranean climate|Mediterranean-climate]] mountains, and rich [[coral reef]]s with abundant marine life. The islands are key migration points and breeding locations for numerous birds, plus the 20 different species of [[cetaceans]]—including [[pilot whale]]s, [[Atlantic bottlenose dolphin|bottlenose dolphins]], and [[humpback whale]]s—which come to feed and mate in the rich waters. Female [[green sea turtle]]s come to lay their eggs on secluded beaches, likely the same ones they themselves hatched on.<ref name=Verde>{{WWF ecoregion|id=at0201|name=Cape Verde Islands dry forests|access-date= 3 April 2011}}</ref><ref name=Bird>{{cite web|url=http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/ebafactsheet.php?id=79|title=Cape Verde Islands|access-date=3 April 2011|publisher=Birdlife International}}</ref><ref name=cbd>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbd.int/doc/world/cv/cv-nr-03-en.pdf|title=Third report (Cape Verde)|pages= 3–6, 14, 59, 83–84, 98|access-date=3 April 2011|publisher= cbd.int/doc/world}}</ref>

Some of the wildlife species of Cape Verde are considered as endemic, evolving over millions of years of isolation; the [[grey-headed kingfisher]] (''Halcyon leucocephala'') survived here on insects in the absence of water in the lands of the islands.<ref name="IrwinWilson2009">{{cite book|author1=Aisling Irwin|author2=Colum Wilson|title=Cape Verde Islands|url=https://archive.org/details/capeverdeislands00aisl|url-access=registration|access-date=3 April 2011|date=25 March 2009|publisher=Bradt Travel Guides|isbn=978-1-84162-276-7|pages=[https://archive.org/details/capeverdeislands00aisl/page/38 38]–41}}</ref>

In the process of development, many lands in the islands were converted to agricultural fields and several hundred varieties of [[herbaceous plant]] and tree species were introduced, resulting in depletion of the original vegetation. However, efforts are now underway at [[reforestation]] to improve the wildlife of Cape Verde, with reported planting of three million new trees every year (about 7000 per day), with [[pine]], [[oak]], [[Castanea sativa|sweet chestnut]] and [[acacia]] as the prominent varieties being planted.<ref name=Bird/><ref name="IrwinWilson2009"/> Cape Verde is also one of the world's top ten [[coral reef]] [[biodiversity hotspot]]s.<ref name="LNT">{{cite web|url=http://lntreasures.com/cv.html|title=Cape Verde|publisher=Living National Treasures|access-date=3 April 2011}}</ref>


==Geography==
==Geography==
[[File:Cape Verde.png|thumb|left|300px|Map of Cape Verde]]
[[File:Cape Verde.png|thumb|left|Map of Cape Verde]]


The Cape Verde archipelago, a cluster of 10 islands and three islets located in the eastern [[Atlantic Ocean]] at a distance of {{convert|560|km}} off the coast of [[Senegal]] in [[West Africa]], are [[volcanic]] in origin. Cape Verde is divided into two areas: the southern leeward islands known as the [[Sotavento Islands]] and the windward islands known as the [[Barlavento Islands]] in the north; [[Santo Antão, Cape Verde|Santo Antão]], [[São Vicente, Cape Verde|São Vicente]], [[Santa Luzia, Cape Verde|Santa Luzia]], [[São Nicolau, Cape Verde|São Nicolau]], [[Sal, Cape Verde|Sal]], and [[Boa Vista, Cape Verde|Boa Vista]], and the Sotavento Islands of [[Maio, Cape Verde|Maio]], [[Santiago, Cape Verde|Santiago]] (the largest with an area of 991 km2), [[Fogo, Cape Verde|Fogo]] (with the only active volcano), and [[Brava, Cape Verde|Brava]].<ref name=Verde/><ref name=Bird/> Nine of these islands which are inhabited have mountainous areas whereas the other islands have flat topography with sandy beaches. There are trees typical of both temperate and tropical climates, depending on elevation, which have created different types of flora and fauna.<ref name=Bird/><ref name=location>{{cite web|url=http://www.henry.k12.ga.us/pges/instruction/kid-pages/islands/capeverde/location.html|title=Location |accessdate=3 April 2011|publisher=Instruction to kid pages: henry.k12.ga.us/}}</ref> Given its geographical isolation, it exhibits a unique [[ecoregion]] with endemic plant and vertebrate species, particularly birds and reptiles.<ref name=Verde/><ref name=Bird/> It is also inferred that [[arid climate]] with no sources of surface fresh water and geographic remoteness are the reasons for the islands limited wildlife diversity.<ref name="Lobin1993">{{cite book|author=Wolfram Lobin|title=Neunte Beitrag zur Fauna und Flora der Kapverdischen Inseln|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vG4PAQAAMAAJ|accessdate=3 April 2011|year=1993|publisher=Senckenbergische Naturforschende Gesellschaft|isbn=978-3-924500-98-6}}</ref> As of 2003, there were 48 protected areas covering 0.3% of the islands land mass.<ref name=bio>{{cite web|url= http://earthtrends.wri.org/pdf_library/country_profiles/bio_cou_132.pdf |format=PDF|title= Biodiversity and Protected Areas – Cape Verde|accessdate=3 April 2011|publisher=Earthtrends countryprofiles}}</ref>
The Cape Verde archipelago, a cluster of 10 islands and three islets located in the eastern [[Atlantic Ocean]] at a distance of {{convert|560|km}} off the coast of [[Senegal]] in [[West Africa]], are [[volcanic]] in origin. Cape Verde is divided into two areas: the southern leeward islands known as the [[Sotavento Islands]] and the windward islands known as the [[Barlavento Islands]] in the north; [[Santo Antão, Cape Verde|Santo Antão]], [[São Vicente, Cape Verde|São Vicente]], [[Santa Luzia, Cape Verde|Santa Luzia]], [[São Nicolau, Cape Verde|São Nicolau]], [[Sal, Cape Verde|Sal]], and [[Boa Vista, Cape Verde|Boa Vista]], and the Sotavento Islands of [[Maio, Cape Verde|Maio]], [[Santiago, Cape Verde|Santiago]] (the largest with an area of 991 km2), [[Fogo, Cape Verde|Fogo]] (with the only active volcano), and [[Brava, Cape Verde|Brava]].<ref name=Verde/><ref name=Bird/> Nine of these islands which are inhabited have mountainous areas whereas the other islands have flat topography with sandy beaches. There are trees typical of both temperate and tropical climates, depending on elevation, which have created different types of flora and fauna.<ref name=Bird/><ref name=location>{{cite web|url=http://www.henry.k12.ga.us/pges/instruction/kid-pages/islands/capeverde/location.html|title=Location |access-date=3 April 2011|publisher=Instruction to kid pages: henry.k12.ga.us/}}</ref> Given its geographical isolation, it exhibits a unique [[ecoregion]] with endemic plant and vertebrate species, particularly birds and reptiles.<ref name=Verde/><ref name=Bird/> It is also inferred that [[arid climate]] with no sources of surface fresh water and geographic remoteness are the reasons for the islands limited wildlife diversity.<ref name="Lobin1993">{{cite book|author=Wolfram Lobin|title=Neunte Beitrag zur Fauna und Flora der Kapverdischen Inseln|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vG4PAQAAMAAJ|year=1993|publisher=Senckenbergische Naturforschende Gesellschaft|isbn=978-3-924500-98-6}}</ref> As of 2003, there were 48 protected areas covering 0.3% of the islands land mass.<ref name=bio>{{cite web|url= http://earthtrends.wri.org/pdf_library/country_profiles/bio_cou_132.pdf|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20041027081542/http://earthtrends.wri.org/pdf_library/country_profiles/Bio_cou_132.pdf|url-status= dead|archive-date= 27 October 2004|title= Biodiversity and Protected Areas – Cape Verde|access-date=3 April 2011|publisher=Earthtrends countryprofiles}}</ref>


The Cape Verde islands are a very degraded area.
The Cape Verde islands are a very degraded area.
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The [[laurel forest]] is a type of [[cloud forest]] that has developed on [[mountain]]s, where the dense [[moisture]] from the sea or ocean, is precipitated by the action of the relief. The terrain forces up wet and warm air masses, which cool and decreases the [[dew point]], causing moisture to condense and fall as rain or fog. This creates a habitat that is cool, saturating air and soil with moisture.
The [[laurel forest]] is a type of [[cloud forest]] that has developed on [[mountain]]s, where the dense [[moisture]] from the sea or ocean, is precipitated by the action of the relief. The terrain forces up wet and warm air masses, which cool and decreases the [[dew point]], causing moisture to condense and fall as rain or fog. This creates a habitat that is cool, saturating air and soil with moisture.
{{double image|right|Deserto Viana, Boa Vista.jpg|300|Bubista.jpg|300|Left: The sand desert Viana on the island of [[Boa Vista, Cape Verde]], surrounded by rock desert Right: [[Boa Vista, Cape Verde]] landscape.}}
[[File:Deserto Viana, Boa Vista.jpg|thumb|right|The sand desert Viana on the island of [[Boa Vista, Cape Verde|Boa Vista]], surrounded by rock desert]]
[[File:Bubista.jpg|thumb|right|Boa Vista landscape]]


===Protected areas===
===Protected areas===
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The protected areas declared under the Official Gazette of Cape Verde, in February 2003 are:<ref name=cbd/>
The protected areas declared under the Official Gazette of Cape Verde, in February 2003 are:<ref name=cbd/>


In Santo Antão Island the protected areas are Moroços – Natural Park, Cova/Ribeira Paúl/Torre – Natural Park, Cruzinha – Natural Reserve, Pombas – Protected Landscape and Tope de Coroa – Natural Park.<ref name=cbd/>
In Santo Antão Island the protected areas are Moroços – Natural Park, Cova/Ribeira Paúl/Torre – Natural Park, Cruzinha – Natural Reserve, Pombas – Protected Landscape and Tope de Coroa – Natural Park.<ref name=cbd/>


São Vicente Island has the Monte Verde – Natural Park.<ref name=cbd/>
São Vicente Island has the Monte Verde – Natural Park.<ref name=cbd/>
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Branco and Raso Islets – Integrated Reserve is the natural reserve in Santa Luzia Island.<ref name=cbd/>
Branco and Raso Islets – Integrated Reserve is the natural reserve in Santa Luzia Island.<ref name=cbd/>


São Nicolau Island has Monte Gordo Natural Park and Monte do Alto das Cabaças Natural Reserve.<ref name=cbd/>
São Nicolau Island has Monte Gordo Natural Park and Monte do Alto das Cabaças Natural Reserve.<ref name=cbd/>


Sal Island has 11 protected areas namely, the Salinas de Pedra Lume and Cagarral – Protected Landscape, the Monte Grande – Protected Landscape, the Rabo de Junco – Natural Reserve, the Baía da Murdeira – Natural (Marine) Reserve, the Costa da Fragata – Natural Reserve, the Serra Negra – Natural Reserve, the Buracona-Ragona – Protected Landscape, the Salinas de Santa Maria – Protected Landscape, the Morrinho do Filho –Natural Monument, the Ponta do Sino – Natural Reserve, the Morrinho do Açucar – Natural Monument.<ref name=cbd/>
Sal Island has 11 protected areas namely, the Salinas de Pedra Lume and Cagarral – Protected Landscape, the Monte Grande – Protected Landscape, the Rabo de Junco – Natural Reserve, the Baía da Murdeira – Natural (Marine) Reserve, the Costa da Fragata – Natural Reserve, the Serra Negra – Natural Reserve, the Buracona-Ragona – Protected Landscape, the Salinas de Santa Maria – Protected Landscape, the Morrinho do Filho –Natural Monument, the Ponta do Sino – Natural Reserve, the Morrinho do Açucar – Natural Monument.<ref name=cbd/>
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In Maio Island protected are the Terras Salgadas – Natural Reserve, Casas Velhas – Natural Reserve, Barareiro e Figueira – Natural Park, Lagoa Cimidor – Natural Reserve, Praia do Morro – Natural Reserve, Salinas de Porto Inglês – Protected Landscape, Monte Penoso e Monte Branco – Protected Landscape and Monte Santo António – Protected Landscape.<ref name=cbd/>
In Maio Island protected are the Terras Salgadas – Natural Reserve, Casas Velhas – Natural Reserve, Barareiro e Figueira – Natural Park, Lagoa Cimidor – Natural Reserve, Praia do Morro – Natural Reserve, Salinas de Porto Inglês – Protected Landscape, Monte Penoso e Monte Branco – Protected Landscape and Monte Santo António – Protected Landscape.<ref name=cbd/>


Boa Vista Island has the maximum number of parks and natural monuments. These are: The Boa Esperança – Natural Reserve; the Ilhéu de Baluarte – Integrated Natural Reserve, the Ilhéu dos Pássaros – Integrated Natural Reserve, the Ilhéu de Curral Velho – Integrated Natural Reserve, the Ponta do Sol – Natural Reserve, the Tartaruga – Natural Reserve, the Natural Park do Norte – Natural Park, the Monte Caçador e Pico Forçado – Protected Landscape; the Morro de Areia – Natural Reserve; the Curral Velho – Protected Landscape; the Monte Santo António –Natural Monument; the Ilhéu de Sal-Rei – Natural Monument; the Monte Estância – Natural Monument; and the Rocha Estância – Natural Monument.<ref name=cbd/>
Boa Vista Island has the largest number of parks and natural monuments. These are: The Boa Esperança – Natural Reserve; the Ilhéu de Baluarte – Integrated Natural Reserve, the Ilhéu dos Pássaros – Integrated Natural Reserve, the Ilhéu de Curral Velho – Integrated Natural Reserve, the Ponta do Sol – Natural Reserve, the Tartaruga – Natural Reserve, the Natural Park do Norte – Natural Park, the Monte Caçador e Pico Forçado – Protected Landscape; the Morro de Areia – Natural Reserve; the Curral Velho – Protected Landscape; the Monte Santo António –Natural Monument; the Ilhéu de Sal-Rei – Natural Monument; the Monte Estância – Natural Monument; and the Rocha Estância – Natural Monument.<ref name=cbd/>


The Santiago Island has two preserved areas in the Serra da Malagueta – Natural Park and the Serra Pico de Antónia – Natural Park.<ref name=cbd/>
The Santiago Island has two preserved areas in the Serra da Malagueta – Natural Park and the Serra Pico de Antónia – Natural Park.<ref name=cbd/>
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==Flora==
==Flora==
[[File:FogoLosma.jpg|thumb|250px|left|Losma (''Artemisia gorgonum''), an endemic plant of Fogo Island]]
[[File:FogoLosma.jpg|thumb|left|Losma (''Artemisia gorgonum''), an endemic plant of Fogo Island]]
[[File:Acácia, Praia, Cape Verde.jpg|right|thumb|325px|[[Acacia]] tree]]
[[File:Acácia, Praia, Cape Verde.jpg|right|thumb|[[Acacia]] tree]]
[[File:Plecotus auritus.jpg|250px|thumb|left|[[Grey long-eared bat]]]]
[[File:Plecotus austriacus (cropped).jpg|thumb|left|[[Grey long-eared bat]]]]
{{Main|Flora of Cape Verde}}
{{Main|Flora of Cape Verde}}
Historically, Cape Verde was probably not rich with greenery, although the evidence of the situation in earlier times is severely lacking.<ref name=Verde/> When Cape Verde was first discovered and colonized by the [[Portugal|Portuguese]] in the 15th century, the wildlife consisted mainly of dry forests and scrub habitat, which underwent a sea change under the influence of the inhabitants of this then isolated and uninhabited group of islands. The endemic flora and fauna of the islands were disturbed and have now remained confined mostly in the mountain peaks, steep slopes and other inaccessible areas.<ref name=Verde/>
Historically, Cape Verde was probably not rich with greenery, although the evidence of the situation in earlier times is severely lacking.<ref name=Verde/> When Cape Verde was first discovered and colonized by the [[Portugal|Portuguese]] in the 15th century, the wildlife consisted mainly of dry forests and scrub habitat, which underwent a sea change under the influence of the inhabitants of this then isolated and uninhabited group of islands. The endemic flora and fauna of the islands were disturbed and have now remained confined mostly in the mountain peaks, steep slopes and other inaccessible areas.<ref name=Verde/>


Vegetation in the islands is basically of the savannah or steppe type. There are trees typical of both temperate and tropical climates, depending on elevation. The flatter parts of the islands sustain semi-desert plants while the higher lands have arid shrubland.<ref name=Verde/> The leeward slopes tend to contain desert, with a very sparse shrub cover, mostly thorny or toxic.<ref name="Britannica">{{cite web|url=http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/93703/Cape-Verde/54903/Plant-and-animal-life|title=Cape Verde:Plant and animal life|publisher=[[Encyclopædia Britannica]]|accessdate=3 April 2011}}</ref> A number of [[xerophilous]] plants grow in the brackish subsoil of Maio, Sal, and Boa Vista.<ref name="Britannica"/>
Vegetation in the islands is basically of the [[savanna]]h or [[steppe]] type. There are trees typical of both temperate and tropical climates, depending on elevation. The flatter parts of the islands sustain semi-desert plants while the higher lands have arid shrubland.<ref name=Verde/> The leeward slopes tend to contain desert, with a very sparse shrub cover, mostly thorny or toxic.<ref name="Britannica">{{cite web|url=http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/93703/Cape-Verde/54903/Plant-and-animal-life|title=Cape Verde:Plant and animal life|publisher=[[Encyclopædia Britannica]]|access-date=3 April 2011}}</ref> A number of [[xerophilous]] plants grow in the brackish subsoil of Maio, Sal, and Boa Vista.<ref name="Britannica"/>


There are 664 listed plant species, which include two threatened species.<ref name=bio/> Over 80 vascular plant taxa are reported to be endemic to Cape Verde; these include ''[[Tornabenea]]'', ''[[Aeonium gorgoneum]]'', ''[[Campanula bravensis]]'' (bellflower), ''[[Nauplius smithii]]'', ''[[Artemisia gorgonum]]'' (sagebrush), ''[[Sideroxylon marginata]]'', ''[[Lotus jacobaeus]]'', ''[[Lavandula rotundifolia]]'', ''[[Sarcostemma daltonii]]'', ''[[Euphorbia tuckeyana]]'', ''[[Polycarpaea gayi]]'' and ''[[Erysimum caboverdeanum]]'' (wallflower).<ref name="LNT"/> Several trees are indigenous such as the blue-green flat-topped dragon tree ''[[Dracaena draco]]'', ''[[Tamarix senegalensis]]'', ''[[Phoenix atlantica]]'' (tamateira), in the lagoons and deserts of [[Boa Vista, Cape Verde|Boavista]], the [[ironwood tree]] and a species of [[fig tree]] and ''[[Faidherbia albida]]'' (formerly known as ''Acacia albida'' and locally called simply "acácia"<ref name=Verde/>). As a result of extensive tree planting since 1975, there are [[pine]] trees, [[oak]]s and [[sweet chestnut]]s on the cool peaks of [[Santo Antão, Cape Verde|Santo Antao]], [[eucalyptus]] on the heights of Fogo, and forests of acacia on Maio.<ref name="Britannica"/>
There are 664 listed plant species, which include two threatened species.<ref name=bio/> Over 80 vascular plant taxa are reported to be endemic to Cape Verde; these include ''[[Tornabenea]]'', ''[[Aeonium gorgoneum]]'', ''[[Campanula bravensis]]'' (bellflower), ''[[Nauplius smithii]]'', ''[[Artemisia gorgonum]]'' (sagebrush), ''[[Sideroxylon marginatum]]'', ''[[Lotus jacobaeus]]'', ''[[Lavandula rotundifolia]]'', ''[[Cynanchum daltonii]]'', ''[[Euphorbia tuckeyana]]'', ''[[Polycarpaea gayi]]'' and ''[[Erysimum caboverdeanum]]'' (wallflower).<ref name="LNT"/> Several trees are indigenous such as the blue-green flat-topped dragon tree ''[[Dracaena draco]]'', ''[[Tamarix senegalensis]]'', ''[[Phoenix atlantica]]'' (''tamareira''), in the lagoons and deserts of [[Boa Vista, Cape Verde|Boavista]], the [[ironwood tree]] and a species of [[fig tree]] and ''[[Faidherbia albida]]'' (formerly known as ''Acacia albida'' and locally called simply "acácia"<ref name=Verde/>). As a result of extensive tree planting since 1975, there are [[pine]] trees, [[oak]]s and [[sweet chestnut]]s on the cool peaks of [[Santo Antão, Cape Verde|Santo Antao]], [[eucalyptus]] on the heights of Fogo, and forests of acacia on Maio.<ref name="Britannica"/>


==Fauna==
==Fauna==
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{{main|List of mammals of Cape Verde}}
{{main|List of mammals of Cape Verde}}


The only indigenous mammal found in the island is the [[grey long-eared bat]] (''Plecotus austriacus'').<ref name="Britannica"/> Bat species on the islands account for about 20% of all mammals. Of particular note are those of the family [[Vespertilionidae]]: [[Savi's pipistrelle]] (''Hypsugo savii'') and [[Kuhl's pipistrelle]] (''Pipistrellus kuhlii'') in addition to the grey long-eared bat. [[Feral goat|Feral goats]] are found on [[Fogo, Cape Verde|Fogo]], the descendants of domestic goats introduced by the Portuguese. Rodent populations were introduced by the Portuguese from early ships which visited the islands.<ref name="Britannica"/> Monkeys are also present in Cape Verde, hailing from the African continent.<ref name="Britannica"/> The [[slender mongoose]] (''Galerella sanguinea'') has also been introduced.
The only indigenous mammal found in the island is the [[grey long-eared bat]] (''Plecotus austriacus'').<ref name="Britannica"/> Bat species on the islands account for about 20% of all mammals. Of particular note are those of the family [[Vespertilionidae]]: [[Savi's pipistrelle]] (''Hypsugo savii'') and [[Kuhl's pipistrelle]] (''Pipistrellus kuhlii'') in addition to the grey long-eared bat. [[Feral goat]]s are found on [[Fogo, Cape Verde|Fogo]], the descendants of domestic goats introduced by the Portuguese. Rodent populations were introduced by the Portuguese from early ships which visited the islands.<ref name="Britannica"/> Monkeys are also present in Cape Verde, hailing from the African continent.<ref name="Britannica"/> The [[slender mongoose]] (''Galerella sanguinea'') has also been introduced.


===Birds===
===Birds===
[[File:Razo lark.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Male colour-ringed [[Raso lark]] (''Alauda razae'')]][[File:Passer iagoensis male.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Male [[Iago sparrow]] at [[Sal Island]]]]
[[File:Razo lark.jpg|thumb|right|Male colour-ringed [[Raso lark]] (''Alauda razae'')]] [[File:Passer iagoensis male.jpg|thumb|right|Male [[Iago sparrow]] at [[Sal Island]]]]
{{main|List of birds of Cape Verde}}
{{main|List of birds of Cape Verde}}
Cape Verde has many species of endemic birds, which are observed by keen [[ornithologists]] and [[bird watchers]] on the islands. 130 migrant birds are reported to visit the islands, out of which over 40 nest there. The seabirds which breed on the island are: [[Fea's petrel]] (''Pterodroma feae''), frigatebird (''[[Fregata magnificens]]'') and [[red-billed tropicbird]] (''Phaethon aethereus'').<ref name=Verde/><ref name="IrwinWilson2009"/> Four species of birds, ([[Alexander's swift]], the [[Raso lark]], the [[Cape Verde swamp-warbler]] and the [[Iago sparrow]]) are also endemic here, while the [[Cape Verde shearwater]] is a breeding endemic. The endemic and endangered [[Bourne's heron]] is sometimes considered a full species.<ref name=Bird/> Also common are the [[greater flamingo]] (''[[Phoenicopterus roseus]]'') and the [[Egyptian vulture]] (''[[Neophron percnopterus]]'').
Cape Verde has many species of endemic birds, which are observed by keen [[ornithologists]] and [[bird watchers]] on the islands. 130 migrant birds are reported to visit the islands, out of which over 40 nest there. The seabirds which breed on the island are: [[Fea's petrel]], [[magnificent frigatebird]] and [[red-billed tropicbird]].<ref name=Verde/><ref name="IrwinWilson2009"/> Four species of birds, ([[Alexander's swift]], the [[Raso lark]], the [[Cape Verde swamp-warbler]] and the [[Iago sparrow]]) are also endemic here, while the [[Cape Verde shearwater]] is a breeding endemic. The endemic and endangered [[Bourne's heron]] is sometimes considered a full species.<ref name=Bird/> Also common are the [[greater flamingo]] and the [[Egyptian vulture]]. There is also an extinct species of quail ''Coturnix centensis'' from the [[Holocene]] of São Vicente Island.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Rando |first1=Juan C. |last2=Alcover |first2=Josep A. |last3=Pieper |first3=Harald |last4=Olson |first4=Storrs L. |last5=Hernández |first5=C. Nayra |last6=López-Jurado |first6=L. Felipe |title=Unforeseen diversity of quails (Galliformes: Phasianidae: ''Coturnix'') in oceanic islands provided by the fossil record of Macaronesia |journal=Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society |volume=188 |issue=4 |date=April 2020 |pages=1296–1317 |doi=10.1093/zoolinnean/zlz107|doi-access=free }}</ref>


===Lizards===
===Terrestrial reptiles===
[[Lizards]] reported on the islands are 15 species including 12 endemic species, such as the now extinct [[Macroscincus|Cape Verde giant skink]] (''[[Macroscincus coctei]]'') on [[Ilhéu Raso]], [[Tarentola|giant gecko]] (''[[Tarentola|Tarentola gigas]]'') on Raso and Branco islands, [[Mabuya]] skinks (6 species), ''[[Hemidactylus]]'' (3 species) and [[Tarentola]] geckos (11 species).<ref name=Verde/>
[[Lizards]] reported on the islands are 15 species including 12 endemic species, such as the now extinct Cape Verde giant skink (''[[Macroscincus coctei]]'') on [[Ilhéu Raso]], [[Tarentola|giant gecko]] (''Tarentola gigas'') on Raso and Branco islands, [[Mabuya]] skinks (6 species), ''[[Hemidactylus]]'' (3 species) and ''[[Tarentola]]'' geckos (11 species).<ref name=Verde/>

An extinct undescribed species of small ''[[Centrochelys]]'' [[tortoise]] was reportedly present on São Vicente before human settlement.<ref>Mateo, J. A., Barone, R., Hernández-Acosta, C. N., & López-Jurado, L. F. (2020) La muerte anunciada de dos gigantes macaronésicos: el gran escinco caboverdiano, Chioninia coctei (Duméril & Bibron, 1839) y el lagarto de Salmor, Gallotia simonyi (Steindachner, 1889). ''Bol. Asoc. Herpetol. Esp.'' Vol. 31 (2), pgs. 3-30.</ref>


===Invertebrates===
===Invertebrates===
Cape Verde has a reported 58 endemic species of [[spider]], including ''[[Wesolowskana|Wesolowskana lymphatica]]'' (jumping spider), and ''[[Hottentotta|Hottentotta caboverdensis]]'', a [[parthenogenetic]] [[scorpion]].<ref name="LNT"/> It has a reported 15 endemic genera and 369 endemic species of insects.<ref name="LNT"/> Of note are ''[[Halictidae|Ceylalictus capverdensis]]'' (bee), ''[[Apidae|Thyreus denolii]]'' (cuckoo bee), ''[[Apidae|Thyreus batelkai]]'' (cuckoo bee), ''[[Apidae|Thyreus schwarzi]]'' (cuckoo bee), ''[[Apidae|Thyreus aistleitneri]]'' (cuckoo bee), ''[[Apidae|Chiasmognathus batelkai]]'' (cuckoo bee), ''[[Monomorium |Monomorium boltoni]]'' (ant), ''[[Scopula paneliusi]]'' (geometrid moth) and ''[[Lygaeidae|Serranegra petrophila]]'', a true bug in the family [[Lygaeidae]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.geocities.ws/hemipterans/slater1964.html|title=A Catalogue of the Lygaeidae of the World|date=1964|author=Slater, James Alexander|website=Geocities.ws|accessdate=2017-08-26}}</ref> There also are endemic marine species, including [[mollusc]]s such as ''[[Favartia burnayi]]'', ''[[Nassarius caboverdensis]]'', ''[[Prunum|Prunum sauliae]]'', the cone shell ''[[Conus josephinae]]'' and the [[Palinurus charlestoni|Cape Verde spiny lobster]], ''[[Palinurus charlestoni]]''<ref name="LNT"/>
Cape Verde has a reported 58 endemic species of [[spider]], including ''[[Wesolowskana|Wesolowskana lymphatica]]'' (jumping spider), and ''[[Hottentotta caboverdensis]]'', a [[parthenogenetic]] [[scorpion]].<ref name="LNT"/> It has a reported 15 endemic genera and 369 endemic species of insects.<ref name="LNT"/> Of note are ''[[Halictidae|Ceylalictus capverdensis]]'' (bee), ''[[Apidae|Thyreus denolii]]'' (cuckoo bee), ''[[Apidae|Thyreus batelkai]]'' (cuckoo bee), ''[[Apidae|Thyreus schwarzi]]'' (cuckoo bee), ''[[Apidae|Thyreus aistleitneri]]'' (cuckoo bee), ''[[Apidae|Chiasmognathus batelkai]]'' (cuckoo bee), ''[[Monomorium|Monomorium boltoni]]'' (ant), ''[[Scopula paneliusi]]'' (geometrid moth) and ''[[Lygaeidae|Serranegra petrophila]]'', a true bug in the family [[Lygaeidae]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.geocities.ws/hemipterans/slater1964.html|title=A Catalogue of the Lygaeidae of the World|date=1964|author=Slater, James Alexander|website=Geocities.ws|access-date=2017-08-26}}</ref> There also are endemic marine species, including [[mollusc]]s such as ''[[Favartia burnayi]]'', ''[[Nassarius caboverdensis]]'', ''[[Prunum|Prunum sauliae]]'', the cone shell ''[[Conus josephinae]]'' and the [[Palinurus charlestoni|Cape Verde spiny lobster]] (''Palinurus charlestoni'').<ref name="LNT"/>


===Marine life===
===Marine life===
[[File:Green turtle swimming over coral reefs in Kona.jpg|320px|thumb|right|[[Green sea turtle]]]]
{{See also|African coral reefs}}
[[File:Green turtle swimming over coral reefs in Kona.jpg|thumb|right|[[Green sea turtle]]]]
The tropical marine environment of the Cape Verde islands of Boavista, Sal and Maio is reported to have a high diversity of sea life. Boavista is part of the [[Macaronesia Wetlands]].<ref name="IrwinWilson2009"/> [[Coral reefs]] are also found extensively in Cape Verde, considered as one of the “world’s ten most important coral reefs”.<ref name="IrwinWilson2009"/>
The tropical marine environment of the Cape Verde islands of Boavista, Sal and Maio is reported to have a high diversity of sea life. Boavista is part of the [[Macaronesia Wetlands]].<ref name="IrwinWilson2009"/> [[Coral reefs]] are also found extensively in Cape Verde, considered as one of the "world's ten most important coral reefs".<ref name="IrwinWilson2009"/> There is a large number of endemic marine gastropods ([[sea snail]]s and [[sea slug]]s) on the coasts of Cape Verde.


Marine species reported are [[Stenella|bridled dolphin]], [[Atlantic spotted dolphin]], [[long-beaked common dolphin]], [[blue whale]], [[humpback whale]], [[Blainville's beaked whale]], [[common porpoise]], [[barracuda]]'s, [[moray eel]]s and [[marine turtle]]s (5 species). [[Turtle]]s migrate across the [[Atlantic]] to breed from May to October. The most prominent species is the endangered [[loggerhead sea turtle]] (''Caretta caretta'').<ref name=Verde/><ref name=list>{{cite web|url=http://www.listofcountriesoftheworld.com/cv-animals.html|title=Animals in Cape Verde|accessdate=3 April 2011|publisher=Listofcountriesoftheworld.com}}</ref> Other species of turtle are the [[hawksbill sea turtle]] (''Eretmochelys imbricate'') which is critically endangered; the [[green sea turtle]] (''Chelonia mydas''), endangered; [[leatherback sea turtle]] (''Dermochelys coriacea'') and [[olive ridley sea turtle]] (''Lepidochelys olivacea''). Hunting of sea turtles remains prevalent per an [[UNEP]] report, however turtle conservation measures began in 2008.<ref name="IrwinWilson2009"/>
Marine species reported are [[Stenella|bridled dolphin]], [[Atlantic spotted dolphin]], [[long-beaked common dolphin]], [[blue whale]], [[humpback whale]], [[Blainville's beaked whale]], [[common porpoise]], [[barracuda]]'s, [[moray eel]]s and [[marine turtle]]s (5 species). [[Turtle]]s migrate across the [[Atlantic]] to breed from May to October. The most prominent species is the endangered [[loggerhead sea turtle]] (''Caretta caretta'').<ref name=Verde/><ref name=list>{{cite web|url=http://www.listofcountriesoftheworld.com/cv-animals.html|title=Animals in Cape Verde|access-date=3 April 2011|publisher=Listofcountriesoftheworld.com}}</ref> Other species of turtle are the [[hawksbill sea turtle]] (''Eretmochelys imbricate'') which is critically endangered; the [[green sea turtle]] (''Chelonia mydas''), endangered; [[leatherback sea turtle]] (''Dermochelys coriacea'') and [[olive ridley sea turtle]] (''Lepidochelys olivacea''). Hunting of sea turtles remains prevalent per an [[UNEP]] report, however turtle conservation measures began in 2008.<ref name="IrwinWilson2009"/>


Eighteen species of whales and dolphins have been recorded in the waters of the Cape Verde archipelago.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Hazevoet|first=Cornelis J.|year=2010|title=Recent data on whales and dolphins (Mammalia: Cetacea) from the Cape Verde Islands, including records of four taxa new to the ar chipelago|journal=Zoologia Caboverdiana|volume=1|issue=2|pages=75–99|issn=2074-5737|url=http://mammalwatching.com/Cetaceans/Other%20Reports/Hazevoet%20et%20al.%20Cetacea%20CV.pdf|display-authors=etal}}</ref> The area is cited as one of two known breeding grounds for the humpback whale (''Megaptera novaeangliae'') of the Northern Hemisphere.<ref name="Seasonality">{{cite journal|last=Hazevoet|first=Cornelius J.|year=2011|title=Seasonality of humpback whale Megaptera novaeangliae (Borowski, 1781) records in Cape Verde seas: eviden ce for the occurrence of stocks from both hemispheres?|journal=Zoologia Caboverdiana|volume=1|issue=2|pages=25–29|issn=2074-5737|url=http://www.scvz.org/zoolcv/vol2no1/Hazevoet%20et%20al%20Humpback%20seasonality.pdf|display-authors=etal}}</ref> Humpback whales migrate annually from the North Sea to winter around Cape Verde from January to mid-May. The humpback whale population became limited due to severe overfishing during the 19th century and, although the total North Atlantic population of humpbacks had rebounded to more than 10,000 individuals by 1993, the Cape Verde population remained uncertain as of 2009.<ref name="Seasonality"/>
Eighteen species of whales and dolphins have been recorded in the waters of the Cape Verde archipelago.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Hazevoet|first=Cornelis J.|year=2010|title=Recent data on whales and dolphins (Mammalia: Cetacea) from the Cape Verde Islands, including records of four taxa new to the ar chipelago|journal=Zoologia Caboverdiana|volume=1|issue=2|pages=75–99|issn=2074-5737|url=http://mammalwatching.com/Cetaceans/Other%20Reports/Hazevoet%20et%20al.%20Cetacea%20CV.pdf|display-authors=etal}}</ref> The area is cited as one of two known breeding grounds for the humpback whale (''Megaptera novaeangliae'') of the Northern Hemisphere.<ref name="Seasonality">{{cite journal|last=Hazevoet|first=Cornelius J.|year=2011|title=Seasonality of humpback whale Megaptera novaeangliae (Borowski, 1781) records in Cape Verde seas: eviden ce for the occurrence of stocks from both hemispheres?|journal=Zoologia Caboverdiana|volume=1|issue=2|pages=25–29|issn=2074-5737|url=http://www.scvz.org/zoolcv/vol2no1/Hazevoet%20et%20al%20Humpback%20seasonality.pdf|display-authors=etal}}</ref> Humpback whales migrate annually from the North Sea to winter around Cape Verde from January to mid-May. The humpback whale population became limited due to severe [[overfishing]] during the 19th century and, although the total North Atlantic population of humpbacks had rebounded to more than 10,000 individuals by 1993, the Cape Verde population remained uncertain as of 2009.<ref name="Seasonality"/>

Also in the waters are molluscs including gastropods such as sea snails, cone snail (the most gastropod species), sea snail and nudibranchs as well as isopods and woodlice and others which has hundreds of different species, several of them are endemic to archipelago, several of these are founded in deep waters as well as northeast into the [[Cape Verde Rise]] and southwest into the Cape Verde Basin. Some of them are also founded in other parts of the Atlantic and the Indian oceans. Several of the molluscs were founded in the 20th century and after. There are also different species of coral and sponges in the waters of the archipelago, one of them is ''[[Balanopsammia|Balanopsammia wirtzi]]'', another is ''[[Ascandra atlantica]]''.

In the 1990s, more gastropods as well as cone snails were described especially in the east of the archipelago and more new species, they were described in 2000 and later in 2004,<ref>Rolán E., 2005. Malacological Fauna From The Cape Verde Archipelago. Part 1, Polyplacophora and Gastropoda</ref> some of them during the CANCAP and Atlântico Selvagem expeditions. Another expedition discovered more gastropods including cone snails and several new species were discovered, they were described in 2014.


==Threats and legal redress==
==Threats and legal redress==
The status of biological resources of Cape Verde, in the process of degradation, was recognized in 1996 which prompted action in 2005 with several legal instruments that were introduced by the government of Cape Verde. In spite of all the legislation, the level of degradation reported in the [[Red List of Threatened Species]] was "26% for angiosperms, over 40% of bryophytes, over 65% of pteridophytes and over 29% of lichens are threatened; furthermore, over 47% of birds, 25% of terrestrial reptiles, 64% of coleopterous, over 57% of arachnids and over 59% of terrestrial mollusks." The number count of ''Alauda razae'' (Calhandra-do-Ilhéu-Raso) and ''Himantopus himantopus'' (Perna-longa) has still shown a declining trend.<ref name=cbd/>
The status of biological resources of Cape Verde, in the process of degradation, was recognized in 1996 which prompted action in 2005 with several legal instruments that were introduced by the government of Cape Verde. In spite of all the legislation, the level of degradation reported in the [[Red List of Threatened Species]] was "26% for angiosperms, over 40% of bryophytes, over 65% of pteridophytes and over 29% of lichens are threatened; furthermore, over 47% of birds, 25% of terrestrial reptiles, 64% of coleopterous, over 57% of arachnids and over 59% of terrestrial mollusks." The number of ''[[Alauda razae]]'' (calhandra-do-Ilhéu-Raso) and ''[[Himantopus himantopus]]'' (perna-longa) has still shown a declining trend.<ref name=cbd/>


Further, with a view to preserve the marine ecosystems and develop fisheries pragmatically the action initiated included creation of Marine reserves: Santa Luzia Island, and the Islets Raso and Branco, Boavista, Sal and Maio Islands; and Conservation of Cape Verde Endangered Marine Species Project.<ref name=cbd/>
Further, with a view to preserve the marine ecosystems and develop fisheries pragmatically the action initiated included creation of Marine reserves: Santa Luzia Island, and the Islets Raso and Branco, Boavista, Sal and Maio Islands; and Conservation of Cape Verde Endangered Marine Species Project.<ref name=cbd/>


;Organizations
;Organizations
Institutions and organizations involved with the preservation and conservation of the biodiversity of Cape Verde are: The Directorate General of Agriculture, Forest and Livestock Production, the Institute for the Development of Fisheries (INDP), the [[University of Cape Verde]]'s National [[Institute of Agricultural Research and Development]] (INIDA) and [https://www.projectbiodiversity.org/ Project Biodiversity].
Institutions and organizations involved with the preservation and conservation of the biodiversity of Cape Verde are: The Directorate General of Agriculture, Forest and Livestock Production, the Institute for the Development of Fisheries (INDP), the [[University of Cape Verde]]'s National Institute of Agricultural Research and Development (INIDA) and [https://www.projectbiodiversity.org/ Project Biodiversity].

Noting that the exclusive biological species of Cape Verde are not represented in any [[germplasm]] banks across the world and that its fauna and flora of Cape Verde are extremely vulnerable to climate adversities with the natural regenerative conditions considered as poor, INIDA has established "a collection of biological resources for ex situ conservation as a means of backing [[in-situ conservation]] of species threatened in some way, as they may be introduced in the wild as needs be, in sites where they are best adapted, through a finely tuned reintroduction program."<ref name=cbd/>


== See also ==
Noting that the exclusive biological species of Cape Verde are not represented in any [[germplasm]] banks across the world and that its fauna and flora of Cape Verde are extremely vulnerable to climate adversities with the natural regenerative conditions considered as poor, INIDA has established "a collection of biological resources for ex situ conservation as a means of backing in situ conservation of species threatened in some way, as they may be introduced in the wild as needs be, in sites where they are best adapted, through a finely tuned reintroduction program."<ref name=cbd/>
* [[West Africa#Overfishing|Overfishing in West Africa]]


==References==
==References==
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==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.caboverde.com/nature/aves-00.htm www.caboverde.com]
*[http://www.caboverde.com/nature/aves-00.htm "Aves de Cabo Verde"] {{in lang |pt}}


{{WildlifeofAfrica}}
{{WildlifeofAfrica}}
{{Cape Verde topics}}
{{Cape Verde topics}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2011}}


[[Category:Biota of Cape Verde]]
[[Category:Biota of Cape Verde]]

Latest revision as of 03:32, 15 July 2024

Location of Cape Verde
The Serra Malagueta mountain range in the northern part of the island of Santiago
Santiago island. The wetter climate of the interior and the eastern coast contrasts with the dryer one in the south/southwest coast

The wildlife of Cape Verde is found across its archipelago of ten islands and three islets, albeit in smaller numbers of species than mainland Africa. Each volcanic island within the archipelago is unique, and each of them have parks under their jurisdiction, by decree promulgated by the Cape Verde government. Located just off the west coast of Africa, the total land area of the island nation is 4,564 square kilometres (1,762 sq mi).

With the exception of bats, there are no truly endemic species of mammal on Cabo Verde; historically, the archipelago was only accessible to creatures with the ability to fly or swim, or (in later years) to be brought by humans. The islands were first explored in 1456, but not actually settled until 1462; humans brought their livestock with them, including donkeys, pigs, cattle and goats—many of the latter are now so wild, they resemble mainland ibex, and are (more or less) considered endemic “by default”.

In the centuries since settlement began, more mainland species (such as the green vervet monkey, cats, dogs, mice, rats and rabbits) would make their way with waves of settlers. There are no snakes present on the archipelago, which has allowed for the proliferation of many other species of other herpetiles, such as geckos, frogs and lizards. The main predators of these reptiles and amphibians would be (besides each other) the various birds of prey and raptors present, including the Egyptian vulture, Eurasian buzzard, kestrel, osprey, peregrine falcon, and the rare Cape Verde kite. This kite species is currently threatened by extinction but may yet be observed on Boa Vista and Maio.

The flora consists of tropical dry forests, scrub land, Mediterranean-climate mountains, and rich coral reefs with abundant marine life. The islands are key migration points and breeding locations for numerous birds, plus the 20 different species of cetaceans—including pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, and humpback whales—which come to feed and mate in the rich waters. Female green sea turtles come to lay their eggs on secluded beaches, likely the same ones they themselves hatched on.[1][2][3]

Some of the wildlife species of Cape Verde are considered as endemic, evolving over millions of years of isolation; the grey-headed kingfisher (Halcyon leucocephala) survived here on insects in the absence of water in the lands of the islands.[4]

In the process of development, many lands in the islands were converted to agricultural fields and several hundred varieties of herbaceous plant and tree species were introduced, resulting in depletion of the original vegetation. However, efforts are now underway at reforestation to improve the wildlife of Cape Verde, with reported planting of three million new trees every year (about 7000 per day), with pine, oak, sweet chestnut and acacia as the prominent varieties being planted.[2][4] Cape Verde is also one of the world's top ten coral reef biodiversity hotspots.[5]

Geography

[edit]
Map of Cape Verde

The Cape Verde archipelago, a cluster of 10 islands and three islets located in the eastern Atlantic Ocean at a distance of 560 kilometres (350 mi) off the coast of Senegal in West Africa, are volcanic in origin. Cape Verde is divided into two areas: the southern leeward islands known as the Sotavento Islands and the windward islands known as the Barlavento Islands in the north; Santo Antão, São Vicente, Santa Luzia, São Nicolau, Sal, and Boa Vista, and the Sotavento Islands of Maio, Santiago (the largest with an area of 991 km2), Fogo (with the only active volcano), and Brava.[1][2] Nine of these islands which are inhabited have mountainous areas whereas the other islands have flat topography with sandy beaches. There are trees typical of both temperate and tropical climates, depending on elevation, which have created different types of flora and fauna.[2][6] Given its geographical isolation, it exhibits a unique ecoregion with endemic plant and vertebrate species, particularly birds and reptiles.[1][2] It is also inferred that arid climate with no sources of surface fresh water and geographic remoteness are the reasons for the islands limited wildlife diversity.[7] As of 2003, there were 48 protected areas covering 0.3% of the islands land mass.[8]

The Cape Verde islands are a very degraded area. Due to proximity to the Sahara, most of the Cape Verde islands are dry, but on islands with high mountains and farther away from the coast, the humidity is much higher, giving a rainforest habitat that is very degraded by the strong human presence. Northeastern slopes of high mountains often receive a lot of rain while Southwest slopes are much drier. This umbria areas are identified with cool and moisture. Some islands, as Santiago with steep mountains, are covered with vegetation where the dense moisture condenses and soaks the plants, rocks, soil, logs, moss etc.

The laurel forest is a type of cloud forest that has developed on mountains, where the dense moisture from the sea or ocean, is precipitated by the action of the relief. The terrain forces up wet and warm air masses, which cool and decreases the dew point, causing moisture to condense and fall as rain or fog. This creates a habitat that is cool, saturating air and soil with moisture.

The sand desert Viana on the island of Boa Vista, surrounded by rock desert
Boa Vista landscape

Protected areas

[edit]

The protected areas declared under the Official Gazette of Cape Verde, in February 2003 are:[3]

In Santo Antão Island the protected areas are Moroços – Natural Park, Cova/Ribeira Paúl/Torre – Natural Park, Cruzinha – Natural Reserve, Pombas – Protected Landscape and Tope de Coroa – Natural Park.[3]

São Vicente Island has the Monte Verde – Natural Park.[3]

Branco and Raso Islets – Integrated Reserve is the natural reserve in Santa Luzia Island.[3]

São Nicolau Island has Monte Gordo Natural Park and Monte do Alto das Cabaças Natural Reserve.[3]

Sal Island has 11 protected areas namely, the Salinas de Pedra Lume and Cagarral – Protected Landscape, the Monte Grande – Protected Landscape, the Rabo de Junco – Natural Reserve, the Baía da Murdeira – Natural (Marine) Reserve, the Costa da Fragata – Natural Reserve, the Serra Negra – Natural Reserve, the Buracona-Ragona – Protected Landscape, the Salinas de Santa Maria – Protected Landscape, the Morrinho do Filho –Natural Monument, the Ponta do Sino – Natural Reserve, the Morrinho do Açucar – Natural Monument.[3]

In Maio Island protected are the Terras Salgadas – Natural Reserve, Casas Velhas – Natural Reserve, Barareiro e Figueira – Natural Park, Lagoa Cimidor – Natural Reserve, Praia do Morro – Natural Reserve, Salinas de Porto Inglês – Protected Landscape, Monte Penoso e Monte Branco – Protected Landscape and Monte Santo António – Protected Landscape.[3]

Boa Vista Island has the largest number of parks and natural monuments. These are: The Boa Esperança – Natural Reserve; the Ilhéu de Baluarte – Integrated Natural Reserve, the Ilhéu dos Pássaros – Integrated Natural Reserve, the Ilhéu de Curral Velho – Integrated Natural Reserve, the Ponta do Sol – Natural Reserve, the Tartaruga – Natural Reserve, the Natural Park do Norte – Natural Park, the Monte Caçador e Pico Forçado – Protected Landscape; the Morro de Areia – Natural Reserve; the Curral Velho – Protected Landscape; the Monte Santo António –Natural Monument; the Ilhéu de Sal-Rei – Natural Monument; the Monte Estância – Natural Monument; and the Rocha Estância – Natural Monument.[3]

The Santiago Island has two preserved areas in the Serra da Malagueta – Natural Park and the Serra Pico de Antónia – Natural Park.[3]

The Fogo Island has Bordeira, Chã das Caldeiras e Pico Novo Natural Park.[3]

The Rombo Islets have an Integrated Reserve.[3]

With a view to preserve the marine ecosystems and develop fisheries pragmatically, the action initiated included creation of Marine reserves: Santa Luzia Island, and the Islets Raso and Branco, Boavista, Sal and Maio Islands; and Conservation of Cape Verde Endangered Marine Species Project.[3]

Flora

[edit]
Losma (Artemisia gorgonum), an endemic plant of Fogo Island
Acacia tree
Grey long-eared bat

Historically, Cape Verde was probably not rich with greenery, although the evidence of the situation in earlier times is severely lacking.[1] When Cape Verde was first discovered and colonized by the Portuguese in the 15th century, the wildlife consisted mainly of dry forests and scrub habitat, which underwent a sea change under the influence of the inhabitants of this then isolated and uninhabited group of islands. The endemic flora and fauna of the islands were disturbed and have now remained confined mostly in the mountain peaks, steep slopes and other inaccessible areas.[1]

Vegetation in the islands is basically of the savannah or steppe type. There are trees typical of both temperate and tropical climates, depending on elevation. The flatter parts of the islands sustain semi-desert plants while the higher lands have arid shrubland.[1] The leeward slopes tend to contain desert, with a very sparse shrub cover, mostly thorny or toxic.[9] A number of xerophilous plants grow in the brackish subsoil of Maio, Sal, and Boa Vista.[9]

There are 664 listed plant species, which include two threatened species.[8] Over 80 vascular plant taxa are reported to be endemic to Cape Verde; these include Tornabenea, Aeonium gorgoneum, Campanula bravensis (bellflower), Nauplius smithii, Artemisia gorgonum (sagebrush), Sideroxylon marginatum, Lotus jacobaeus, Lavandula rotundifolia, Cynanchum daltonii, Euphorbia tuckeyana, Polycarpaea gayi and Erysimum caboverdeanum (wallflower).[5] Several trees are indigenous such as the blue-green flat-topped dragon tree Dracaena draco, Tamarix senegalensis, Phoenix atlantica (tamareira), in the lagoons and deserts of Boavista, the ironwood tree and a species of fig tree and Faidherbia albida (formerly known as Acacia albida and locally called simply "acácia"[1]). As a result of extensive tree planting since 1975, there are pine trees, oaks and sweet chestnuts on the cool peaks of Santo Antao, eucalyptus on the heights of Fogo, and forests of acacia on Maio.[9]

Fauna

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The island has five mammals out of which three are threatened, 75 species of birds including 2 threatened species, 19 reptiles, 132 varieties of fish species including one threatened species.[8] However, the islands do not have snakes and large mammals.[4]

Mammals

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The only indigenous mammal found in the island is the grey long-eared bat (Plecotus austriacus).[9] Bat species on the islands account for about 20% of all mammals. Of particular note are those of the family Vespertilionidae: Savi's pipistrelle (Hypsugo savii) and Kuhl's pipistrelle (Pipistrellus kuhlii) in addition to the grey long-eared bat. Feral goats are found on Fogo, the descendants of domestic goats introduced by the Portuguese. Rodent populations were introduced by the Portuguese from early ships which visited the islands.[9] Monkeys are also present in Cape Verde, hailing from the African continent.[9] The slender mongoose (Galerella sanguinea) has also been introduced.

Birds

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Male colour-ringed Raso lark (Alauda razae)
Male Iago sparrow at Sal Island

Cape Verde has many species of endemic birds, which are observed by keen ornithologists and bird watchers on the islands. 130 migrant birds are reported to visit the islands, out of which over 40 nest there. The seabirds which breed on the island are: Fea's petrel, magnificent frigatebird and red-billed tropicbird.[1][4] Four species of birds, (Alexander's swift, the Raso lark, the Cape Verde swamp-warbler and the Iago sparrow) are also endemic here, while the Cape Verde shearwater is a breeding endemic. The endemic and endangered Bourne's heron is sometimes considered a full species.[2] Also common are the greater flamingo and the Egyptian vulture. There is also an extinct species of quail Coturnix centensis from the Holocene of São Vicente Island.[10]

Terrestrial reptiles

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Lizards reported on the islands are 15 species including 12 endemic species, such as the now extinct Cape Verde giant skink (Macroscincus coctei) on Ilhéu Raso, giant gecko (Tarentola gigas) on Raso and Branco islands, Mabuya skinks (6 species), Hemidactylus (3 species) and Tarentola geckos (11 species).[1]

An extinct undescribed species of small Centrochelys tortoise was reportedly present on São Vicente before human settlement.[11]

Invertebrates

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Cape Verde has a reported 58 endemic species of spider, including Wesolowskana lymphatica (jumping spider), and Hottentotta caboverdensis, a parthenogenetic scorpion.[5] It has a reported 15 endemic genera and 369 endemic species of insects.[5] Of note are Ceylalictus capverdensis (bee), Thyreus denolii (cuckoo bee), Thyreus batelkai (cuckoo bee), Thyreus schwarzi (cuckoo bee), Thyreus aistleitneri (cuckoo bee), Chiasmognathus batelkai (cuckoo bee), Monomorium boltoni (ant), Scopula paneliusi (geometrid moth) and Serranegra petrophila, a true bug in the family Lygaeidae[12] There also are endemic marine species, including molluscs such as Favartia burnayi, Nassarius caboverdensis, Prunum sauliae, the cone shell Conus josephinae and the Cape Verde spiny lobster (Palinurus charlestoni).[5]

Marine life

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Green sea turtle

The tropical marine environment of the Cape Verde islands of Boavista, Sal and Maio is reported to have a high diversity of sea life. Boavista is part of the Macaronesia Wetlands.[4] Coral reefs are also found extensively in Cape Verde, considered as one of the "world's ten most important coral reefs".[4] There is a large number of endemic marine gastropods (sea snails and sea slugs) on the coasts of Cape Verde.

Marine species reported are bridled dolphin, Atlantic spotted dolphin, long-beaked common dolphin, blue whale, humpback whale, Blainville's beaked whale, common porpoise, barracuda's, moray eels and marine turtles (5 species). Turtles migrate across the Atlantic to breed from May to October. The most prominent species is the endangered loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta).[1][13] Other species of turtle are the hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricate) which is critically endangered; the green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas), endangered; leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) and olive ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea). Hunting of sea turtles remains prevalent per an UNEP report, however turtle conservation measures began in 2008.[4]

Eighteen species of whales and dolphins have been recorded in the waters of the Cape Verde archipelago.[14] The area is cited as one of two known breeding grounds for the humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) of the Northern Hemisphere.[15] Humpback whales migrate annually from the North Sea to winter around Cape Verde from January to mid-May. The humpback whale population became limited due to severe overfishing during the 19th century and, although the total North Atlantic population of humpbacks had rebounded to more than 10,000 individuals by 1993, the Cape Verde population remained uncertain as of 2009.[15]

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The status of biological resources of Cape Verde, in the process of degradation, was recognized in 1996 which prompted action in 2005 with several legal instruments that were introduced by the government of Cape Verde. In spite of all the legislation, the level of degradation reported in the Red List of Threatened Species was "26% for angiosperms, over 40% of bryophytes, over 65% of pteridophytes and over 29% of lichens are threatened; furthermore, over 47% of birds, 25% of terrestrial reptiles, 64% of coleopterous, over 57% of arachnids and over 59% of terrestrial mollusks." The number of Alauda razae (calhandra-do-Ilhéu-Raso) and Himantopus himantopus (perna-longa) has still shown a declining trend.[3]

Further, with a view to preserve the marine ecosystems and develop fisheries pragmatically the action initiated included creation of Marine reserves: Santa Luzia Island, and the Islets Raso and Branco, Boavista, Sal and Maio Islands; and Conservation of Cape Verde Endangered Marine Species Project.[3]

Organizations

Institutions and organizations involved with the preservation and conservation of the biodiversity of Cape Verde are: The Directorate General of Agriculture, Forest and Livestock Production, the Institute for the Development of Fisheries (INDP), the University of Cape Verde's National Institute of Agricultural Research and Development (INIDA) and Project Biodiversity.

Noting that the exclusive biological species of Cape Verde are not represented in any germplasm banks across the world and that its fauna and flora of Cape Verde are extremely vulnerable to climate adversities with the natural regenerative conditions considered as poor, INIDA has established "a collection of biological resources for ex situ conservation as a means of backing in-situ conservation of species threatened in some way, as they may be introduced in the wild as needs be, in sites where they are best adapted, through a finely tuned reintroduction program."[3]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Cape Verde Islands dry forests". Terrestrial Ecoregions. World Wildlife Fund. Retrieved 3 April 2011.
  2. ^ a b c d e f "Cape Verde Islands". Birdlife International. Retrieved 3 April 2011.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p "Third report (Cape Verde)" (PDF). cbd.int/doc/world. pp. 3–6, 14, 59, 83–84, 98. Retrieved 3 April 2011.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g Aisling Irwin; Colum Wilson (25 March 2009). Cape Verde Islands. Bradt Travel Guides. pp. 38–41. ISBN 978-1-84162-276-7. Retrieved 3 April 2011.
  5. ^ a b c d e "Cape Verde". Living National Treasures. Retrieved 3 April 2011.
  6. ^ "Location". Instruction to kid pages: henry.k12.ga.us/. Retrieved 3 April 2011.
  7. ^ Wolfram Lobin (1993). Neunte Beitrag zur Fauna und Flora der Kapverdischen Inseln. Senckenbergische Naturforschende Gesellschaft. ISBN 978-3-924500-98-6.
  8. ^ a b c "Biodiversity and Protected Areas – Cape Verde" (PDF). Earthtrends countryprofiles. Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 October 2004. Retrieved 3 April 2011.
  9. ^ a b c d e f "Cape Verde:Plant and animal life". Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved 3 April 2011.
  10. ^ Rando, Juan C.; Alcover, Josep A.; Pieper, Harald; Olson, Storrs L.; Hernández, C. Nayra; López-Jurado, L. Felipe (April 2020). "Unforeseen diversity of quails (Galliformes: Phasianidae: Coturnix) in oceanic islands provided by the fossil record of Macaronesia". Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. 188 (4): 1296–1317. doi:10.1093/zoolinnean/zlz107.
  11. ^ Mateo, J. A., Barone, R., Hernández-Acosta, C. N., & López-Jurado, L. F. (2020) La muerte anunciada de dos gigantes macaronésicos: el gran escinco caboverdiano, Chioninia coctei (Duméril & Bibron, 1839) y el lagarto de Salmor, Gallotia simonyi (Steindachner, 1889). Bol. Asoc. Herpetol. Esp. Vol. 31 (2), pgs. 3-30.
  12. ^ Slater, James Alexander (1964). "A Catalogue of the Lygaeidae of the World". Geocities.ws. Retrieved 26 August 2017.
  13. ^ "Animals in Cape Verde". Listofcountriesoftheworld.com. Retrieved 3 April 2011.
  14. ^ Hazevoet, Cornelis J.; et al. (2010). "Recent data on whales and dolphins (Mammalia: Cetacea) from the Cape Verde Islands, including records of four taxa new to the ar chipelago" (PDF). Zoologia Caboverdiana. 1 (2): 75–99. ISSN 2074-5737.
  15. ^ a b Hazevoet, Cornelius J.; et al. (2011). "Seasonality of humpback whale Megaptera novaeangliae (Borowski, 1781) records in Cape Verde seas: eviden ce for the occurrence of stocks from both hemispheres?" (PDF). Zoologia Caboverdiana. 1 (2): 25–29. ISSN 2074-5737.
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