West central Africa has the greatest biodiversity richness in tropical Africa. The area also faces not only the challenges of climate change but one of the highest human population growth rates in the world.
Tropical rain forests are one of the most biologically diverse habitats on the planet but description of flora and fauna and understanding of their evolutionary history are far from complete. As they are a source of sustainable resources including potential pharmaceuticals, cuisine and timber, there is an increasing need for assessing global biodiversity changes.
Further details: Forest plants on the edge of existence in tropical Africa