6 Different Types of Forests in Africa

Africa is the second-largest continent in the world and has been credited with the birthplace of humanity. Our ties to Africa are ancient and none more than the link to its forests. In literature, pop culture, exploration, and wonder, the deep enchanted forests of the Congo are what we picture when we think of Africa. But, what other types of forests do we find on the continent?

According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, approximately 22.7% of Africa is covered in forests. These forests are divided between “Tropical” and “Temperate.” Forests biomes are located in Sub-Saharan Africa, with the greatest biomass in West and Central Africa.

Although the overarching categories of forests are limited to tropical and temperate, local environmental conditions shape the formation of these forests to create some interesting varieties and diversity.

Table of Contents

• A Guide To The Types Of Forests Found In Africa
  • Tropical Rainforests In Africa
    • Examples Of Tropical Rainforests In Africa: The Congo Rainforest And Guinean Forests
    • Fauna And Flora Of The Congolian And Guinean Rainforests
      • Congo Rainforest
        • Fauna
        • Flora
      • Guinean Forest
        • Fauna
        • Flora
    • Other Interesting Facts About African Tropical Rainforests
  • Temperate Rainforests In Africa
    • Other Characteristics Of Temperate Forests
      • Rainfall
      • Temperature
      • Altitude
      • Fire resistance
      • Vegetation
    • Examples Of Temperate Rainforests Found Across Africa
  • Afromontane Rainforests: Characteristics And Examples
    • Afromontane Forests: Defining Features
      • Location
      • Rainfall
      • Temperature
      • Altitude
      • Vegetation
    • Afromontane Forests: The East African Montane Forest Ecoregion
      • Location
      • Altitude
      • Temperature and Rainfall
      • Fauna
  • Coastal Forests In Africa: Characteristics And Examples
    • Coastal Forests: Defining Characteristics
      • Temperature
      • Rainfall
  • Other Examples Forests Found In Africa
    • Sand Forests Of Southern Africa
    • Mangrove Forests Of Southern Africa
• Conclusion

A Guide To The Types Of Forests Found In Africa

A forest, according to Britannica, is a “complex ecological system in which trees are the dominant life-form.”

Although forests vary greatly in terms of plant and animal composition, certain factors remain the same.

For a tree-dominated forest to exist, the mean summer temperature must be above 50 °F, with a minimal annual rainfall of 8 inches.

There are three broad categories of forests found globally. These … Read the rest of the story.