Capital

Praia

Official Language

Portuguese

Fun Fact

It is entirely of volcanic origin

National Animal

West African Manatee

National Bird

Grey-headed Kingfisher

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Animal Laws of Cabo Verde

The Animal Laws of Cabo Verde PDF contains the general animal protection laws and related statutes for Cabo Verde. Uncaged World updates these bi-annually. Always check official sources for the most up-to-date legal status.

Animals of Cabo Verde

Grey-headed Kingfisher

IUCN Red List: Least Concern

The Grey-headed Kingfisher is a colorful bird found across much of sub-Saharan Africa. Recognized by its gray head, bright blue wings, and red bill, it feeds mainly on insects, small reptiles, and rodents. Unlike many kingfishers, it often lives far from water and hunts in woodlands and savannas. Its loud, distinctive calls make it one of the more noticeable birds in its range.

African Manatee

IUCN Red List: Vulnerable

The African Manatee is a large aquatic mammal found in rivers, lakes, estuaries, and coastal waters across western and central Africa. A gentle herbivore, it feeds on aquatic plants and helps maintain healthy ecosystems. African manatees face threats from habitat loss, fishing gear entanglement, boat strikes, and hunting, making conservation efforts important for their survival.

Cape Verde Leaf-toed Gecko

IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered

The Cape Verde Leaf-toed Gecko is a small, nocturnal reptile found only in Cape Verde. Adapted to rocky, dry habitats, it uses specialized toe pads to climb with ease and feeds on insects and other small invertebrates. Its limited range makes it vulnerable to habitat loss and invasive species.

Loggerhead Turtle

IUCN Red List: Vulnerable

The Loggerhead Turtle is a large marine turtle found in oceans around the world. Known for its powerful jaws and large head, it feeds on hard-shelled prey such as crabs and mollusks. Females return to sandy beaches to lay their eggs, often nesting where they hatched. Loggerheads face threats from fishing gear, pollution, coastal development, and climate change, making conservation efforts vital to their survival.

Cabo Verde Shearwater

IUCN Red List: Least Concern

The Cabo Verde Shearwater is a seabird found primarily around the islands of Cape Verde. It spends most of its life at sea, returning to remote cliffs and islands to breed. Like other shearwaters, it is an excellent glider, using ocean winds to travel long distances while searching for fish and squid. The species faces threats from introduced predators, habitat disturbance, and human activities, making conservation efforts important for its future.

Kuhl's Pipistrelle

IUCN Red List: Least Concern

Kuhl's Pipistrelle is a small, adaptable bat found across parts of Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. It is commonly found in urban areas, woodlands, and coastal habitats, where it feeds on insects caught in flight. Active at night, this bat plays an important role in controlling insect populations and is known for its ability to thrive in a wide range of environments.