Capital

Libreville

Official Language

French

Fun Fact

Home to a natural nuclear reactor that operated roughly 2 billion years ago in Oklo

National Animal

Black Panther

National Bird

Rosy Bee-eater

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Animal Laws of Gabon

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

Animals of Gabon

Black Panther

IUCN Red List: Vulnerable

The Black Panther is not a separate species but a term used for melanistic (black-colored) leopards in Africa and Asia or jaguars in the Americas. It's dark coat is caused by a genetic variation that increases black pigmentation, though the animal’s spots can often still be seen in certain lighting. Black panthers are powerful predators that hunt a variety of prey and are known for their stealth, strength, and ability to blend into dense forests and other habitats. Their striking appearance has made them one of the most iconic big cats in the world.

Rosy Bee-eater

IUCN Red List: Least Concern

The Rosy Bee-eater is a colorful bird found across parts of sub-Saharan Africa. It is recognized by its rosy-pink plumage, blue facial markings, and long tail streamers. As its name suggests, it feeds primarily on bees, wasps, and other flying insects, which it catches in midair. Rosy Bee-eaters are often seen nesting in colonies along sandy riverbanks and play an important role in controlling insect populations.

White-bellied Pangolin

IUCN Red List: Endangered

The White-bellied Pangolin is a small, tree-climbing mammal found in the forests of Central and West Africa. Covered in protective keratin scales, it feeds primarily on ants and termites, using its long, sticky tongue to capture prey. When threatened, it curls into a tight ball for protection. White-bellied Pangolins face serious threats from habitat loss and illegal wildlife trafficking, making them one of the most heavily trafficked mammals in the world.

Forest Buffalo

IUCN Red List: Near Threatened

The Forest Buffalo is the smallest subspecies of African buffalo and is found in the dense rainforests of Central and West Africa. It is distinguished by its reddish-brown coat, smaller size, and shorter, more curved horns than its savanna relatives. Forest Buffaloes feed on grasses, leaves, and other vegetation and often live in small herds. They play an important role in maintaining forest ecosystems through grazing and seed dispersal.

Leatherback Turtle

IUCN Red List: Vulnerable

The Leatherback Turtle is the largest sea turtle in the world and can be found in oceans across the globe. Unlike other sea turtles, it has a flexible, leathery shell rather than a hard one. Leatherbacks feed mainly on jellyfish and are capable of diving deeper than any other turtle species. They face threats from plastic pollution, fishing gear entanglement, and habitat loss, making conservation efforts critical to their survival.

Humpback Whale

IUCN Red List: Endangered

The Humpback Whale is a large baleen whale found in oceans around the world. Known for its long pectoral fins, acrobatic breaches, and haunting songs, it migrates thousands of miles each year between feeding and breeding grounds. Humpback Whales feed primarily on krill and small fish, using techniques such as bubble-net feeding to capture prey. Conservation efforts have helped many populations recover from historic whaling, though they still face threats from entanglement, ship strikes, and ocean pollution.