World Heritage Identification Number: 692
World Heritage since: 2023
Category: Natural Heritage
WHE Type: Natural Landscapes & Geographic Features
Transboundary Heritage: No
Endangered Heritage: No
Country: 🇨🇬 Congo
Continent: Africa
UNESCO World Region: Africa
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Odzala-Kokoua National Park: A Biodiversity Hotspot in Central Africa
Odzala-Kokoua National Park, located in the Republic of the Congo, stands out as a significant conservation area in Central Africa. Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2023, this expansive park offers a unique glimpse into the process of post-glacial forest recolonization of savanna ecosystems.
More to come…UNESCO Description of the World Heritage Site
This property is an excellent example, at an exceptionally large-scale, of the process of post-glacial forest recolonization of savanna ecosystems. It is therefore ecologically significant as a convergence point of multiple ecosystem types (Congolese Forest, Lower Guinean Forest and Savanna). The broad range of age classifications across the forest succession spectrum contributes to the park’s highly distinct ecology, incorporating a broad range of remarkable ecological processes. It is one of the most important strongholds for forest elephants in Central Africa, and is recognized as the park with the richest primate diversity in the region.UNESCO Justification of the World Heritage Site
Criterion (ix): The forest ecosystem is characterized by its great diversity of formations of very different ages over an enormous area. The property represents all stages of the savanna-to-forest succession process. Marantaceae forests cover around 60% of the property. These forests are highly diversified, representing both progressive succession stages, as seen in other sites in west-central Africa, and regressive stages where mature forests are invaded by the highly aggressive Marantaceae species Haumania liebrechtsiana. The forest dynamics within FMOK are driven by complex and still insufficiently understood ecological processes. The presence of more than 130 marshy clearings maintained by wildlife is not exceptional in itself, but contributes greatly to the significance of the property. These clearings function as vital exchange hubs for nutrients and play a critical role in determining the movements of elephants, which are essential agents of forest dynamics. Moreover, this forest ecosystem, with predominant Lower Guinean affinities, is highly representative of the forests within the Sangha interval and, more specifically, of the advancing front of Lower Guinean forests as they reclaim savanna areas. This virtually untouched forest ecosystem helps to preserve the integrity of the waters of the Mambili basin, and thus the vast interface between terrestrial and aquatic environments.
Criterion (x): The FMOK's intact forest ecosystem is home to little-studied forest formations, including old-growth, saxicolous and mist forests. These mist forests are unique to northern Congo and the Sangha interval, and they provide habitat for at least 32 plant species that are not found elsewhere in the region, including one endemic species. In all, 1,150 plant species have been identified, of which four are endemic and 15 are classified as threatened to varying degrees. In terms of fauna, this ecosystem supports at least 120 species of mammals. These include 20 threatened species and 17 primate species, including 9 species endemic or sub-endemic to Lower Guinea. The populations of 6,246 forest elephants, 11,481 gorillas, and 2,240 chimpanzees represent significant strongholds for the conservation of these threatened species. Notably, the only known population of forest-dwelling spotted hyenas in the Congo Basin occurs within the property. In terms of avian diversity, 463 bird species have been recorded, including 64% of the 278 forest species restricted to the Guinean-Congolese region, or 88% of the Guineo-Congolian bird species documented in Congo, two of the six endemic species of Lower Guinea and four threatened species. The insect fauna includes at least 647 species of diurnal butterflies, featuring one locally endemic species, numerous sub-endemic species of Lower Guinea, and several species that appear to be confined to the region’s Marantaceae forests. Lastly, the FMOK is also home to significant populations of threatened long-snouted crocodiles, dwarf crocodiles and two endemic fish species.
Encyclopedia Record: Odzala-Kokoua National Park
Odzala-Kokoua National Park is a national park in the Republic of the Congo. The park was first protected in 1935, declared a biosphere reserve in 1977, and granted official designation by presidential decree in 2001. Odzala-Kokoua has approximately 100 mammal species, and one of the continent's most diverse primate populations. The nonprofit conservation organization African Parks began managing the park in collaboration with the Ministry of Forest Economy, Sustainable Development and Environment of the Republic of the Congo in 2010.Additional Site Details
Area: 1,179,376 hectares
Number of Components: 1
(x) — Contains most important habitats for biodiversity
Coordinates: 1.3355555556 , 14.8602777778
IUCN World Heritage Outlook
The 2025 Conservation Outlook on Forest Massif of Odzala-Kokoua reports the following assessment:
Source: International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) · View assessment
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© Leighcn, CC BY-SA 4.0 Resized from original. (This derivative is under the same CC BY-SA license.)
World Heritage Research
Discover scientific research and academic studies that deepen our understanding of Forest Massif of Odzala-Kokoua from its history and significance to its conservation, management, and contemporary challenges.
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Perceptions and uses of pangolins (Pholidota) among remote rural communities in the Republic of the Congo: A baseline study from the Odzala‐Kokoua National Park
A survey of 65 rural communities near Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Republic of the Congo, reveals high recognition (98.2%) and diverse traditional uses—including medicinal and culinary—of pangolins, with meat taste ranked highly by respondents (71.3%). The study identifies sociocultural and demographic variations in local knowledge and market value perceptions, noting higher familiarity along the northern park boundary, likely due to better infrastructure and proximity to Cameroon. These findings provide critical baseline data for conservation policies targeting pangolin protection in Central Africa.
Swiacká, M., Ingram, D. J., Bohm, T., & Ceacero, F. (2022). Perceptions and uses of pangolins (Pholidota) among remote rural communities in the Republic of the Congo: A baseline study from the Odzala‐Kokoua National Park. Conservation Science and Practice, 4(12). Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/csp2.12839
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Movement patterns of forest elephants (Loxodonta cyclotis Matschie, 1900) in the Odzala‐Kokoua National Park, Republic of Congo
Forest elephants (Loxodonta cyclotis) exhibit distinct movement patterns influenced by environmental and anthropogenic factors, with females traveling farther than males. The study, conducted in Odzala-Kokoua National Park using GPS-collared individuals tracked over 16 months, found that roads and human settlements disrupt elephant behavior, leading to faster displacements. Elephants moved more rapidly along watercourses and in Marantaceae-dominated forests but slowed in savannahs. Flood-prone areas and higher temperatures also hindered longer movements. These findings provide critical insights into the species' habitat use, aiding conservation efforts.
Molina‐Vacas, G., Muñoz‐Mas, R., Martínez‐Capel, F., Rodriguez‐Teijeiro, J. D., & Le Fohlic, G. (2019). Movement patterns of forest elephants (Loxodonta cyclotis Matschie, 1900) in the Odzala‐Kokoua National Park, Republic of Congo. African Journal of Ecology, 58(1), 23–33. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.12695
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Population numbers, density and activity patterns of servals in savannah patches of Odzala‐Kokoua National Park, Republic of Congo
A study in Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Republic of Congo, provides the first robust density estimates for servals (Leptailurus serval) in Central Africa, with densities ranging from 7.7 to 9.8 individuals per 100 km². The research used camera-trapping over eight months, capturing 51 individuals, predominantly the servaline morph characterized by small 'freckled' spots. Analysis revealed distinct activity patterns between males and females, with males being largely nocturnal while females were mainly diurnal, likely influenced by the presence of spotted hyaenas (Crocuta crocuta). The study also highlights the importance of incorporating individual and trap placement covariates to improve precision in density estimates for future research.
Bohm, T., & Hofer, H. (2018). Population numbers, density and activity patterns of servals in savannah patches of Odzala‐Kokoua National Park, Republic of Congo. African Journal of Ecology, 56(4), 841–849. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.12520
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Population ecology, conservation status and genetics of the spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) in the Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Republic of Congo, including an assessment of the status of spotted hyenas in southeast Gabon
A critical decline of the last remaining spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) population in Central Africa, confined to Odzala-Kokoua National Park (OKNP), Republic of Congo, is imminent due to poaching with illegal wire snares. This study reveals that the population—comprising five clans and eight transient individuals—has shrunk by nearly 50% within two years, with 11 likely deaths recorded. The hyenas' survival hinges on the abundance of key prey species like forest buffalo (Syncerus caffer nanus), red river hog (Potamocherus porcus), and bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus), which dominate their diet but show minimal activity overlap, indicating high energy investment for foraging. The study also highlights the vulnerability of this isolated population to stochastic threats like disease and inbreeding. Camera trapping and acoustic monitoring of communal den sites—critical for clan survival—reveal human infrastructure disturbances as additional risks. Immediate intervention is required to prevent extinction.
Bohm, T. (2015). Population ecology, conservation status and genetics of the spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) in the Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Republic of Congo, including an assessment of the status of spotted hyenas in southeast Gabon. Freie Universität Berlin. https://doi.org/10.17169/REFUBIUM-6990
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Description of Hylopanchax paucisquamatus (Cyprinodontiformes: Poeciliidae), a new lampeye species from the Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Republic of Congo
Researchers have identified and described Hylopanchax paucisquamatus, a new species of deep-bodied lampeye fish (Cyprinodontiformes: Poeciliidae) from the Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the Republic of Congo. This discovery represents the first deep-bodied Hylopanchax species found outside the Kasaï River drainage, distinguishing it from related congeners like H. leki and H. ndeko. The species is characterized by a unique combination of morphological traits, including a low number of mid-longitudinal and transverse scales, dorsal-fin ray count, and the position of its dorsal fin relative to the anal fin. The study highlights the biodiversity significance of the Odzala-Kokoua region, contributing to our understanding of freshwater fish diversity in the Congo basin.
SONNENBERG, R., FRIEL, J. P., & VAN DER ZEE, J. R. (2014). Description of Hylopanchax paucisquamatus (Cyprinodontiformes: Poeciliidae), a new lampeye species from the Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Republic of Congo. Zootaxa, 3846(4). https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3846.4.6
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The status of savanna carnivores in the Odzala-Kokoua National Park, northern Republic of Congo
Lions (Panthera leo) are likely extinct in the Republic of Congo and neighboring Gabon, with no signs detected during extensive surveys in Odzala-Kokoua National Park. However, the park remains critical for hyena tachetée (Crocuta crocuta) conservation, as 46 individuals were documented through 154 camera-trap photographs over 424 days of monitoring. The study also recorded smaller carnivores like leopards (Panthera pardus), servals (Leptailurus serval), and African golden cats (Caracal aurata). Researchers covered 460 km on foot, combining trail surveys with camera traps to assess the status of savanna carnivores in this isolated mosaic landscape. These findings underscore Odzala-Kokoua's regional importance for hyenas and smaller predators amid declining lion populations.
Henschel, P., Malanda, G.-A., & Hunter, L. (2014). The status of savanna carnivores in the Odzala-Kokoua National Park, northern Republic of Congo. Journal of Mammalogy, 95(4), 882–892. https://doi.org/10.1644/13-mamm-a-306
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African weakly electric fishes of the genus Petrocephalus (Osteoglossomorpha: Mormyridae) of Odzala National Park, Republic of the Congo (Lékoli River, Congo River basin) with description of five new species
Researchers identify five new species of weakly electric fishes (genus Petrocephalus) in Odzala National Park, Republic of the Congo. These discoveries expand the known biodiversity of the Lékoli River within the Congo River basin, contributing to the understanding of electric fish diversity in African freshwater ecosystems. The study employs morphological and genetic analyses to distinguish these species, highlighting the importance of Odzala's unique aquatic habitats for conservation efforts.
Lavoué, S., Sullivan, J. P., & Arnegard, M. E. (2010). African weakly electric fishes of the genus Petrocephalus (Osteoglossomorpha: Mormyridae) of Odzala National Park, Republic of the Congo (Lékoli River, Congo River basin) with description of five new species. https://doi.org/10.5281/ZENODO.197589
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