Capital

São Tomé

Official Language

Portuguese

Fun Fact

The island of São Tomé features Pico Cão Grande. It is a striking, 663-meter-tall volcanic plug that pierces directly through the dense jungle canopy

National Animal

None

Unofficial National Bird(s)

Grey Parrot & Red-footed Falcon

Add a PDF file and cover image

Animal Laws of São Tomé and Príncipe

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

Animals of São Tomé and Príncipe

Grey Parrot

IUCN Red List: Endangered

The Grey Parrot is a highly intelligent bird native to the rainforests of Central and West Africa. Recognized by its gray feathers, bright red tail, and remarkable ability to mimic sounds and human speech, it is considered one of the most intelligent bird species in the world. Grey Parrots feed on seeds, nuts, fruits, and vegetation and play an important role in dispersing seeds throughout their forest habitat. Habitat loss and the illegal pet trade have contributed to population declines across much of their range.

São Tomé Shrew

IUCN Red List: Endangered

The São Tomé Shrew is a small, elusive mammal found only on the island of São Tomé and Príncipe. It inhabits tropical forests, where it feeds on insects and other small invertebrates found in leaf litter and soil. Little is known about its behavior due to its secretive nature and limited range. Habitat loss poses a potential threat to this unique island species.

São Tomé Free-tailed Bat

IUCN Red List: Least Concern

The São Tomé Free-tailed Bat is a small insect-eating bat found only on the island of São Tomé and Príncipe. It is recognized by its long, narrow wings and tail that extends beyond the tail membrane, a characteristic of free-tailed bats. Active at night, it hunts flying insects and helps control insect populations. As an island endemic species, it is vulnerable to habitat loss and environmental changes.

Giant Weaver

IUCN Red List: Near Threatened

The Giant Weaver is a large, colorful songbird found in the forests and woodlands of Central and West Africa. Males are known for their bright yellow and black plumage and their skill at weaving intricate hanging nests from grass and plant fibers. Giant Weavers feed on fruits, seeds, and insects and often nest in colonies. Their impressive nest-building abilities make them one of Africa’s most fascinating birds.

Príncipe Reed Frog

IUCN Red List: Data Deficient

The Príncipe Reed Frog is a small amphibian found only on the island of Príncipe. It inhabits forests and wetland areas, where it feeds on insects and other small invertebrates. Like many island species, it has a very limited range and is vulnerable to habitat loss and environmental changes. Its presence highlights the unique biodiversity of the islands of São Tomé and Príncipe.

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 complex songs, it migrates thousands of miles each year between feeding and breeding grounds. Humpback Whales feed primarily on krill and small fish and are famous for cooperative hunting techniques such as bubble-net feeding. Conservation efforts have helped many populations recover from historic whaling, though threats such as ship strikes and entanglement in fishing gear remain.