NATIONAL PARKS
The orography and the climatic characteristics of the land provide Angola with a vast diversity of animal and vegetable species.
In Cabinda, there is dense, humid forestland, rich in exotic woods and the natural habitat of gorillas. South of Zaire, in the basins of Kwanza, Kuango, Cuito and the tributaries of the Cassai can be found savannah forestland. On the elevated plains, the open forestland provides a natural habitat for those species normally to be found in such regions.Further South is the desert area of Namibe. A vegetable species known as Welwitshia Mirabilis and unique in the world, grows here.
In order to preserve and protect animal and vegetable life, and some species which are becoming threatened by extinction, natural parks and reserves have been created throughout the whole of Angola, the most important of which being:
National Integral Park of Kwando and the National Park of Cangandala, in the province of Malange, home of the black palanca, a species to be found only in Angola.
The National Park of Quissama, South of Luanda, where, among other species, are to be found the elephant, the African antelope and the wild boar. The coastline of the park is used an egg laying ground for the sea turtles.
In the National Park of Kameia, in the Province of Moxico can be found the lion, the leopard, the chacal, the elephant and the antelope.
The National Park of Bicuar, in the Province of Huila in the home of elephants, antelopes, elands, gnus and zebras.
The National Park of Mupa, in the Province of Cunene, can be seen among others, the ostrich, the elephant and the hippopotamus. The National Park of Iona, in the Province of Namibe, where the zebra, the elephant, the leopard and the rhinoceros roam freely.
