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Dulombi-Boé Overview

Dulombi-Boé National Park, located in Guinea-Bissau, is a remarkable conservation area established to protect the country’s unique biodiversity and cultural heritage. Locally known as “Parque Nacional Dulombi-Boé”, this park spans a vast area in the southeastern region of the country and is part of a network of protected areas that contribute to the preservation of West Africa’s ecosystems. Officially designated in 2011, Dulombi-Boé is integral to the Dulombi-Boé-Tchetche Complex, a transboundary conservation initiative linking Guinea-Bissau with neighboring Guinea and Senegal.

The park’s terrain is a diverse blend of savannas, forest patches, wetlands, and gallery forests. This mosaic of habitats is shaped by seasonal rivers that traverse the area, such as the Corubal River, which serves as a lifeline for the region’s flora and fauna. The terrain features rolling hills, rocky outcrops, and fertile lowlands that support a variety of vegetation, from dry savanna grasses to lush riverine woodlands. These habitats are vital for both wildlife and the surrounding communities that depend on the park’s natural resources.

Dulombi-Boé National Park is home to an impressive array of wildlife, including some of Africa’s most iconic species. It shelters populations of elephants, chimpanzees, leopards, and African wild dogs, making it a critical area for conservation. The park also hosts antelope species such as roan antelopes and duikers, as well as a variety of birdlife, including vultures, hornbills, and the striking Abyssinian ground hornbill. Reptiles, amphibians, and fish thrive in the park’s wetlands, adding to its ecological richness.

Visitors to Dulombi-Boé National Park can engage with its natural and cultural heritage through various activities. Guided safaris and wildlife tracking provide opportunities to observe the park’s diverse species in their natural habitats. Birdwatching is particularly rewarding, given the park’s rich avian diversity. Cultural interactions with local communities offer insights into the traditions and sustainable practices that have coexisted with the park’s ecosystems for generations. Hiking and river excursions allow visitors to experience the landscape’s beauty up close, making Dulombi-Boé a destination for eco-tourists seeking both adventure and education.

Despite its ecological and cultural importance, Dulombi-Boé National Park faces challenges such as habitat degradation, illegal hunting, and limited resources for effective management. Conservation efforts by Guinea-Bissau’s Institute for Biodiversity and Protected Areas (IBAP) focus on anti-poaching initiatives, community-based conservation programs, and cross-border collaborations to protect the park’s biodiversity. These efforts aim to balance ecological preservation with the well-being of local communities.

Dulombi-Boé National Park is a testament to the richness of Guinea-Bissau’s natural heritage. Its diverse landscapes, endangered wildlife, and cultural significance make it a critical area for conservation and a rewarding destination for eco-tourists. By protecting this park, Guinea-Bissau ensures the preservation of its ecosystems and reinforces its role in safeguarding West Africa’s biodiversity.

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Dulombi-Boé National Park Highlights

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Dulombi-Boé National Park, located in Guinea-Bissau, is a biodiverse haven featuring savannahs, forests, and wetlands that support a wide variety of wildlife. The park is particularly notable for its role in the conservation of several threatened and iconic species.

African Elephant (Loxodonta africana)
Once widespread across West Africa, African elephants are now protected within the park. These gentle giants roam the savannahs and forests, feeding on grasses, leaves, and bark, and play a critical role in shaping the ecosystem.

Leopard (Panthera pardus)
An elusive and solitary predator, leopards inhabit the dense forests and rocky outcrops of Dulombi-Boé. They are skilled hunters, preying on antelope, monkeys, and smaller mammals.

Common Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius)
These semi-aquatic mammals thrive in the park’s rivers and wetlands. Known for their large size and territorial nature, hippos spend most of their day submerged in water and graze on grasses at night.

West African Manatee (Trichechus senegalensis)
This gentle marine mammal inhabits the park’s rivers and estuaries. It feeds on aquatic vegetation and is often referred to as a “sea cow” for its peaceful, grazing habits.

Lion (Panthera leo)
Lions are apex predators within the park, inhabiting open savannahs and preying on species like antelope and warthogs. They play a key role in maintaining ecological balance.

African Buffalo (Syncerus caffer)
Large herds of African buffalo graze in the park’s grasslands. These formidable herbivores contribute to seed dispersal and provide prey for predators like lions and leopards.

Warthog (Phacochoerus africanus)
Warthogs are a common sight in Dulombi-Boé’s savannahs. These hardy omnivores forage for roots, tubers, and grasses, often near water sources.

Guinea Baboon (Papio papio)
Guinea baboons are highly social primates found in the park’s forests and savannahs. They feed on fruits, seeds, and small insects and display complex social behaviors.

Aardvark (Orycteropus afer)
This nocturnal mammal is an expert digger, feeding on ants and termites. Its burrowing also benefits the ecosystem by aerating the soil.

Crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus)
Nile crocodiles inhabit the park’s rivers and wetlands, preying on fish, birds, and mammals. They are vital apex predators in the aquatic ecosystems.

Birds

Dulombi-Boé National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with its varied habitats supporting a wide array of avian species, from waterbirds in its wetlands to raptors soaring above its savannahs and forests.

African Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer)
This iconic raptor is often seen near the park’s rivers, hunting fish and small aquatic animals with its powerful talons.

Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus)
A critically endangered species, the grey parrot is known for its intelligence and striking plumage. It inhabits the park’s forests, feeding on fruits and seeds.

Goliath Heron (Ardea goliath)
The world’s largest heron is a frequent sight in Dulombi-Boé’s wetlands, hunting fish and amphibians in shallow waters.

Abyssinian Ground Hornbill (Bucorvus abyssinicus)
This large terrestrial bird is often seen walking through the savannahs, feeding on insects, small mammals, and reptiles.

White-backed Vulture (Gyps africanus)
A vital scavenger, this vulture is commonly seen soaring above the park’s grasslands, feeding on carrion and maintaining ecological balance.

Marabou Stork (Leptoptilos crumenifer)
Known for its large size and scavenging habits, the marabou stork is a regular visitor to the park’s wetlands and open areas.

Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis)
This striking bird is often seen hovering above water before diving to catch fish, making it a common sight along rivers.

Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea)
A wading bird of the wetlands, the purple heron feeds on fish, frogs, and small reptiles and is known for its elegant appearance.

Yellow-billed Kite (Milvus aegyptius)
A skilled scavenger, this raptor is often seen soaring above the park, preying on small mammals and feeding on carrion.

Senegal Coucal (Centropus senegalensis)
This medium-sized bird inhabits the park’s grasslands and forests, feeding on insects and small reptiles while adding a distinctive call to the soundscape.

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Engaging Dulombi-Boé National Park

Exploring Dulombi-Boé National Park through guided wildlife safaris is one of the most popular ways to engage with its diverse landscapes and remarkable fauna. These safaris allow visitors to traverse the park’s savannahs, wetlands, and forests while spotting iconic species like African elephants, lions, and leopards.

Guided by experienced rangers, safaris provide in-depth knowledge about the park’s ecosystems, conservation efforts, and animal behaviors. Early morning and late afternoon safaris are particularly rewarding, as wildlife is most active during these cooler hours.

Visitors can also learn about the park’s role in protecting endangered species such as the West African manatee and Guinea baboons. The combination of breathtaking scenery, thrilling wildlife encounters, and expert guidance makes safaris an unforgettable experience.

Dulombi-Boé’s extensive network of rivers and wetlands offers a serene and immersive way to engage with the park through canoeing or boating. These activities provide unique access to aquatic ecosystems, where visitors can observe species like hippos, Nile crocodiles, and a variety of waterbirds in their natural habitats.

Canoeing along the tranquil waterways allows for closer encounters with elusive species such as the African clawless otter and the West African manatee. Guided boat tours often include educational elements, focusing on the importance of wetland conservation and the interconnectedness of water-based and terrestrial ecosystems.

This peaceful yet adventurous activity is ideal for nature enthusiasts and those seeking to experience the park from a different perspective.

With its varied ecosystems, Dulombi-Boé National Park is a haven for birdwatchers, attracting both casual observers and dedicated enthusiasts. The park’s wetlands, savannahs, and forests support a remarkable array of bird species, including the critically endangered grey parrot, Abyssinian ground hornbill, and African fish eagle.

Visitors can explore designated birdwatching trails or settle at observation points near waterholes and rivers to enjoy the sights and sounds of the avian world.

Guided birdwatching tours provide additional insights into the park’s birdlife, including their behaviors, habitats, and ecological roles. Whether spotting scavenging vultures soaring above or vibrant kingfishers darting along the water’s edge, birdwatching in Dulombi-Boé offers an engaging way to appreciate the park’s rich biodiversity.