Wildlife of Sao Tome & Principe
The geographic isolation from Africa has resulted in high levels of endemism. Overall, Sao Tome and Principe has 143 birds, 15 mammals, 14 reptiles, and 9 amphibians.
Special wildlife months on Sao Tomé & Príncipe
| Period *) | What to expect |
| May - mid October |
Atlantic Blue Marlin fishing season (July - September = peak) Yellow Fin Tuna fishing season Dorado fishing season |
| Mid-July - mid September | Whale-watching season |
| September - March | Turtle-nesting season |
| September - December | Sailfish fishing season Wahoo fishing season |
| December - March | Best visibility for divers |
| All year | Bird watching |
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Fish FaunaThe waters of Sao Tome and Principe are still largely unexplored. So far, 230 fish species have been distinguished of which many are endemic. At Bom Bom Island Resort on Principe, you can target the elusive large Blue Marlin and world record size sailfish that have rightfully made the area so famous, as well has its vast variety of game fish such as yellowfin tuna, wahoo, dorado, snapper, barracuda amongst many others.WhalesFrom July to October humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) visit the waters around the Bom Bom Island Resort on Principe as they migrate from their low-latitude summer feeding grounds to more tropical mating and calving areas. From the Resort, trips are organised aboard one of our motorised pirogues. Boat charters (on a 28-ft speedboat) are also available. We only recommend this trip during the whale season and although sighting rates are close to 100%, still, sightings cannot be guaranteed.TurtlesSea turtles have been coming to the beaches of São Tomé & Príncipe for millions of years, and the islands have the most diverse range of sea turtles in central africa. Between October and April, four of the five turtle species are known to lay their eggs on the beaches of Sao Tome & Principe, including the great leatherback. |
Sea Turtles that nest on the beaches of Sao Tome & Principe
| Sea turtle | Characteristics |
| Green turtle | Weight: up to 230 kg Colour: green-grey, with occasional olive brown, yellow or dark streaks and spots Diet: seagrass and algae Interesting detail: a great sense of orientation, as a green turtle can find its way back after 20 years to the beach where he or she was born |
| Olive ridley | Weight: up to 50 kg Colour: olive-green to brown Diet: shellfish, mollusk, jellyfish, algae Interesting detail: only nests on Sao Tome, not on Principe |
| Hawksbill critically endangered |
Weight: average of 80 kg Colour: amber with dark and light spots and streaks Diet: sponges Interesting detail: some of the sponges eaten by the hawksbill are known to be highly toxic and lethal when eaten by other organisms |
| Leatherback critically endangered |
Weight: average of 500 kg Colour: bluish-black skin with white spots Diet: shellfish, jellyfish Interesting detail: they can dive as deep as 1,000 m |
| Loggerhead turtle | Has been seen in the waters around Sao Tome, but has not been observed nesting |
Birds
Kathleen Becker, Bradt Travel Guide 2008:
In the nineties, Birdlife International included Príncipe and São Tomé in the top 25% of 218 EBAs worldwide for their species richness. More recently, the forests of both islands have been included among the Important Bird Areas (IBAs) of Africa.
Birdlife International 2000:
According to Birdlife International 2000, several highly threatened birds can be found in tiny populations in the pristine forests of São Tomé, for example:
The birdlife of the islands is exceptionally unique.
Of the over 120 species recorded on Sao Tome
and Principe, some 28 are endemics.
Of the over 120 species recorded on Sao Tome
and Principe, some 28 are endemics.
In the nineties, Birdlife International included Príncipe and São Tomé in the top 25% of 218 EBAs worldwide for their species richness. More recently, the forests of both islands have been included among the Important Bird Areas (IBAs) of Africa. Birdlife International 2000:
Each island has its endemic species and subspecies and, as such, the Gulf of Guinea islands are of global importance for their biodiversity. Part of the diversity in the Gulf of Guinea may be attributed to the range of habitats and niches that are found on the islands.
According to Birdlife International 2000, several highly threatened birds can be found in tiny populations in the pristine forests of São Tomé, for example:
- Dwarf Olive Ibis - Bostychia (olivacea) bocagei
- São Tomé Fiscal - Lanius newtoni
- São Tomé Grosbeak - Neospiza concolor
Sources:
The Birds of São Tomé & Príncipe with Annobón, islands of the Gulf of Guinea, by Jones & TyeBirds of Western Africa, by Borrow & Demey
Website of Birdlife International - São Tomé & Príncipe
