Skip navigation.
Please note: Bioko Biodiversity Protection Program's content is available to all versions of every web browser. However, if your browser does not support basic web standards then the design of the site will not be visible. To see this site as it was designed please upgrade to a Web standards compliant browser.

Bioko Biodiversity Protection Program

From 2000-pound turtles to 10-pound antelopes: Bioko's Wildlife

A relatively large island 32 miles off the coast of Cameroon, Bioko Island is one of the most biologically significant places in all of Africa. It is known especially as a haven for rare primates and as a principle nesting ground for endangered sea turtles. Most of the island is virgin rainforest and its treacherous mountain terrain creates an array of distinct habitats in which animals can thrive. Many of Bioko's rare monkey species have eluded hunters by retreating through deep ravines and steep ridges. In the island's southeastern corner stands the Gran Caldera, a volcanic crator whose high walls have created a natural refuge for eleven species of primates.

BBPP has conservation programs to protect the island's primates and sea turtles. Here we provide more information on larger species.

A note on photo captions: BBPP lost much of its caption information during the transition to digital. Please contact us if you have more detailed information about a photo or its photographer.

Evolving Alone

Rising sea levels after the end of the last Ice Age, approximately 14,000 years ago, separated Bioko Island from the mainland and allowed a new species of mammal, Eisentraut’s mouse shrew, to develop. Many other mammals on the island became unique subspecies.