Ziama Massif
The Ziama Massif is a forested mountain range in Nzérékoré Region of southeastern Guinea.
Ziama Massif | |
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Ziama Massif (Guinea) | |
Location | Nzérékoré Region, Guinea |
Coordinates | 8.24, -9.36 |
Area | 116,200 hectares |
Established | 1932 |
Geography
The Ziama Massif extends northeast-southwest, continuing south into Liberia as the Kpo Range. The eastern slopes are drained by the St. Paul River, and the western slopes by the Lofa River; both rivers drain southwest through Liberia to empty into the Atlantic Ocean. The highest points of the massif reach to almost 1,400 meters above sea level. The forested landscape includes valleys, plateaus, rounded ridges, rocky peaks, sheer cliffs and granite outcrops.[1]
Flora and fauna
The Ziama Massif is part of the Guinean montane forests ecoregion, and harbors a distinct flora and fauna from the surrounding lowlands.[2]
Ziama Strict Nature Reserve
The Ziama Forest was designated a nature reserve in 1932 and approved as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1980, covering 1,161.70 km². It is considered by conservationists as a relict of the diminishing Upper Guinean forest formation.[3] The Ziama Massif Biosphere Reserve is home to more than 1,300 species of plants and more than 500 species of animals.[4]
Gallery
- Montane rainforest near to Sérédou (Northern limit of Ziama Massif).
- Mountains near to Sérédou.
References
- "Massif du Ziama". Biopshere Reserve Information, UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserves Directory. Accessed 27 September 2015
- "Guinean montane forests." WWF ecoregion profile. Accessed 27 September 2015
- APES MAPPER
- "Guinea Highlands". Encyclopædia Britannica. Accessed 27 September 2015.