Interesting Facts About

The Congo Basin

The Congo Rainforest

The Worlds Largest Tropical Carbon Sink At 60bn Tonnes

Spanning 1.5 million square miles, through the six African nations that are Gabon, Camaroon, the DRC, the Republic of Congo,

Equatorial Guinea, and the Central African Republic, the Congo rainforest is the second largest rainforest in the world. This fragile ecosystem sequesters an estimated 60 billion metric tonnes of carbon with 30 billion tonnes of that in the DRC alone. This is more carbon sink than The Amazon and Asian Rainforests combined.

With temperatures averaging 77 °F, and an average rainfall of 58" per year.

The Equator also runs right through the middle, which means the north and south have opposite seasons.

Max Chiswick. CC BY-SA 4.0

The Baka people are one of many local groups of indigenous hunter gatherers. Baka men have an average height of 4 ft 10", and the women 4 ft 1". They are known as the Defenders of the Forest.

Approximately 10,000 animal species are supported by the forest and many of these are endemic (found nowhere else on Earth). These species include the Okapi, the Bili Ape, the Congo Lion, the Forest Elephant, and the Mountain Gorilla, who live in The Virunga Mountains.

The Congo River

The Worlds Deepest River

Previously known as the Zaire River, the Congo River is 2900 miles long, and is the world's deepest river at 720 feet.

It reaches 9 miles wide at certain points, and supports indigenous tribes, and nearly 800 species of fish.

The Gates of Hell

The source of the river is located in the East African Rift Valley, and then enters "The Gates Of Hell" a 75 mile long canyon of the fastest rapids of any river system.

The Livingstone Falls

Just downriver from Kinshasa are the Livingstone Falls. Named after the explorer David Livingstone, The Livingstone Falls consist of a series of treacherous, unnavigable rapids and magnificent waterfalls that flow for 220 miles and drop the river's height by 900 feet.

After the last set of rapids the river flows peacefully for 200 miles into the Atlantic Ocean, but then forms one of the largest submarine canyons in the world.

Known as The Congo Canyon, it spreads across the continental shelf for 85km, and drops 1100km, and is 14.5km wide. Total distance from the river mouth is about 500km

The Congo river also forms the border between the DRC (to the north) and Angola (to the south).

The Congo Canyon

Landsat 8 Image//Nasa

The Mondeli Bureau

Lamprologus Lethops

Dying Fish Reveal An Astonishing Fact

These 10cm, pale, blind Cichlids, have been spotted by the locals dying on the banks of the Congo River, for decades. They hold a secret that helped reveal an astonishing fact about the lower section of the Congo River.

Melanie Stiassny, a curator at the Department of Ichthyology in the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, led the research into the reason for this strange phenomenon.

Researchoutreach.org/ CC BY 4.0

She noticed bubbles of air had formed around the gills and scales. These fish appeared to be suffering from the effects of The Bends. A condition that occurs during rapid ascent to the surface in very deep water. They had been caught up in underwater jets, and were shot to the surface so fast that they suffered decompression sickness.

Just how deep is this river? She asked herself?

So back in 2008 they set about investigating and found the lower section of the Congo River to be around 720 ft deep. They soon realised they were looking at the deepest river in the World.

If you wish to read the report by Mindy Weisberger click here.

The name Mondeli Bureau is a name the locals call this fish.

It translates as 'White Man In An Office'.

The Okapi

The Emblem of the DRC

But is it a Horse, Zebra or Giraffe?

It's actually closely related to the giraffe, and belongs in the Giraffidae family.

Also known as the Congolese Giraffe, the males stand an average of 5ft to the shoulders, and are roughly 8ft in length.

These curious looking, solitary, shy animals have the striped legs of a zebra, the body of a horse and the head of a giraffe.

1918px-Saint-Aignan_(Loir-et-Cher)._Okap

Daniel Jolivet CC BY-SA 2.0

The males have those two characteristic giraffe like horns, called ossicones that are strangely absent on females, but they both possess that long tongue that can reach right up to their ears.

Now extinct in the forests of Uganda, the Okapi is endemic to the DRC, and it can proudly be seen on their currency, and stamped on visas on entry to the country. Classified as endangered, the Okapi Wildlife Reserve in the Ituri Forest, estimate only around 25,000 left in the wild.

Greg Goebel CC BY-SA 2.0

The Ituri Forest is now a UN World Heritage Site, and since 1997 it was listed as 'In Danger', due to conflict, illegal logging, mining, and human encroachment, that unfortunately still continues today.

The Indigenous Efi and Mbuti tribes have lived along side the Okapi for hundreds of years, and the animal was unknown to the Western World, until they were discovered in the Virunga Mountains in 1901 by Sir Harry Johnston from the Zoological Society of London. Hence the latin name Okapia Johnstoni. He never actually saw one, just evidence they existed. The ZSL also managed to capture the first ever images of the Okapi in the wild back in 2008, using camera traps, placed in exactly the same place that they were discovered, 100yrs earlier.

Mount Nyiragongo

The Most Dangerous Volcano in the World

On the far eastern side of the Democratic Republic Of Congo on the northern shore of Lake Kivu lies the town Goma.

It is under constant threat, from rebel violence, and also from the most dangerous volcano in the world.

Mt. Nyiragongo is just 12 miles north of the town of Goma, and last erupted on January 17 2002, destroying much of the town and leaving over 200,000 people homeless. But this is nothing compared to what Nyiragongo is thought to be capable of.

This volcano stands at an impressive 11,384 feet, and is a true cone-shaped stratovolcano, with two lava lakes, the largest being 2km wide and 600m deep.

This smouldering caldera is so huge, it is said that the next 5 largest lava lakes, would fit inside.

Flickr.-Monusco/Abel Kavanagh. CC BY-SA 4.0

You would normally be able to walk away from a lava flow, but with the low silica content, coupled with the steep slopes of this volcano you would never even outrun it, as this lava can reach speeds of up to 60mph, making it the fastest flowing lava of any volcano.

2231px-An_aerial_view_of_the_towering_vo

Monusco/Neil Wetmore. CC BY-SA 2.0

Cai Tjeenk. CC BY-SA 3.0

The Afrormosia Tree

The Guardians of the Forest

Known as African Teak, this supertree can grow to the dizzy heights of around 150ft, and some even to 190ft, with a trunk diameter of around 5ft, they form the Rainforest Canopy, protecting all beneath.

Axel Fassio/Forest News/CIFOR CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

The age of these trees can never be determined because for them to grow, the saplings require direct sunlight. Difficult from the forest floor, but possible when an adjacent tree falls or is felled. The sapling will stop growing until it gets sunlight, so may stay dormant for many years waiting patiently for that little spec of sunlight, that triggers growth again.

The Afrormosia is also home to much fauna and flora, that rely on this giant for their survival, so removing them will only upset an already fragile ecosystem.

It's bark is fireproof, and the wood is resistant to termites.

Used Worldwide in the manufacture of boats, furniture and veneer, this hardwood has great commercial value, so has been, and still is illegally logged in the DRC. Sadly, now it is classified as an endangered species by CITES.

Axel Fassio/Forest News/CIFOR CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

For more information on CITES and the work CIEL and Greenpeace do in the Congo please click here

The Basenji

The Dog That Prefers NOT To Bark

The Basenji, or Congo Dog, is known as the dog that doesn't bark, as they tend to make a sound very similar to yodeling. The name Basenji translates as 'Wild Dog', and they are very difficult to train due to them being an independent breed.

Originating from the Congo Rainforest, (but strangely disliking the rain), they are said to be the closest living relative to the wolf (along with the Dingo), and were used by tribes to hunt for small animals, before they were introduced into England and the USA in the 1930s. These dogs do make good pets though, as they are very affectionate, playful, loyal and hugely intelligent, but being very stubborn, don't ever expect them to play catch, because they will chose whether or not a fetch the ball. Their attitude is 'You threw it, you can get it.' They are also hard to train, as they tend to do as they please, and not what they are told. They will make their own mind up whether to obey you or not.

In the Congo they were considered more a family member than the wife, so this is something worth considering if you are thinking of owning one.

The J'ba Fofi

Fact or Fiction

Halloween-Scary-Spider-2014101931_edited

An ancient ecosystem such as the Congo rainforest is bound to have many local beliefs associated with it.

Among the most exciting of these is that of the Congolese Giant Spider, which the Baka people call J'ba Fofi, meaning giant spider.

Not so Itsy Bitsy, this spider is said to have a leg span of up to 6 feet, and weaves giant webs between trees to snare its prey, which include just about

anything that is unfortunate enough to get caught.

It is of course up to you to choose to believe this or not, but the Baka are well-acquainted with the forest.

Images credited to Warner Bros

The Goliath Tigerfish

The Piranha Of Africa

The worlds most fearsome freshwater fish. This absolute monster can grow up to 5 ft long and weigh nearly 500lbs. This particular species can only be found in the Congo Basin.

With 32 interlocking, razor sharp teeth, they hunt in packs, and as you are dragged beneath the surface, there would be very little time to scream for help.

David Mailand CC BY-SA 4.0

The locals call it M'Benga, meaning "The Dangerous Fish", and they know very well never to play in these waters.

Anything is fair game to these underwater giants, including small crocodiles, and they were the first fish to be recorded leaping out of the water, to catch birds in flight.

Cobalt

The Curse Of Modern Technology

Cobalt was the first recorded metal to be mined since prehistoric times, and for thousands of years it was used as a blue dye.

Founded by Swedish Chemist George Brandt in 1735, it got its name from the German word 'Kobald', meaning 'Goblin', as there were many superstitions around mining it.

In German Folklore a Kobald is a mythical creature, that is usually invisible, but could also materialize as an animal, fire, human, or candle.

Cobalt is refined from copper and has the Atomic number 27.

The atom has 27 electrons and 27 protons with 32 neutrons, so can form compound elements such as Cobalt Oxide, Cobalt Fluoride.

It is naturally magnetic, and is used in Lithium-Ion Batteries. Other uses are Paints, Inks, Glass, Ceramics and even Cosmetics. It is also a component of Vitamin B12

The Pangolin

The Most Trafficked Animal in the World

Pangolins, are threatened to almost extinction by excessive deforestation in the Congo. They are also hunted for their scales, which are shipped to China, in their thousands, for use in traditional medicine. This makes this poor creature the most trafficked animal in the World.

The name pangolin comes from the Malay word meaning 'One who rolls up'. It does this to defend itself. They range in size from 12 to 39", and are nocturnal and love to eat ants and termites.

The Explaner - , CC BY-SA 4.0,

1920px-A_pangolin_in_defensive_posture,_

Stephencdickson - CC BY-SA 4.0,

The Virunga Mountains

Virunga Translates as Volcano

This Mountain range are a chain of Volcanoes along the borders of Rwanda, Uganda and the DRC, and are a branch of the Albertine Rift, to the west of The East African Rift.

Consisting of 8 volcanoes of which two are active, (Nyiragongo, and Nyamuragira), the other six are dormant and are now home to the endangered Mountain Gorilla.

This is also where you'll find the Karisoke Research center founded by the late Dian Fossey.

Click Pic To Enlarge

Per A. J. Anderson CC BY-SA 4.0

The 8 Volcanoes with the two Active ones in Red

Mount Karisimbi / Rwanda & DRC 14,790ft

Mount Mikeno / DRC 14,560ft

Mount Muhabura / Rwanda & Uganda 13,540ft

Mount Bisoke / Rwanda & DRC 12,180ft

Mount Sabyinyo / Rwanda, Uganda & DRC 12,050ft

Mount Gahinga / Rwanda & Uganda 11,400ft

Mount Nyiragongo / DRC 11,384ft

Mount Nyamuragira / DRC 10,031ft

The Ishango Bone

Ancient Calculator or Just another Tally Stick?

Did Early People Really Understand Prime Numbers?

Made from the leg of possibly a baboon, and carbon dated to around 20,000yrs old, makes this artifact the earliest mathematical find in human history.

This 10cm bone was discovered by Jean de Heinzelin Braucourt in 1960, buried beneath an old volcanic eruption that had engulfed the small village of Ishango, on the banks of the Semliki River, close to Lake Edward in the DRC.

Ben2 CC BY-SA 3.0

Named after the village, the Ishango Bone has a series of non-random notches arranged into 3 columns. In the 3rd column each notch is arranged in clusters of 5, 7, 11, 13, 17 and 19. This suggests the understanding of prime numbers. There is also a piece of quartz at one end, thought to be used for engraving.

Wero CC BY-SA 3.0

The bone is on display at The Royal Belgium Institute of Natural Sciences, and can be viewed by appointment only.

For further reading please click here

References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Congo_River

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Livingstone_Falls

https://www.livescience.com/congo-river-fish-with-bends.html#:~:text=Lamprologus%20lethops%2C%20a%20fish%20that,dwell%20in%20caves%20deep%20underwater.

Interesting Facts About

The Congo Basin

The Congo Rainforest

The Worlds Largest Tropical Carbon Sink At 60bn Tonnes

Spanning 1.5 million square miles, through the six African nations that are Gabon, Camaroon, the DRC, the Republic of Congo,

With temperatures averaging 77 °F, and an average rainfall of 58" per year.

The Equator also runs right through the middle, which means the north and south have opposite seasons.

Max Chiswick. CC BY-SA 4.0

The Baka people are one of many local groups of indigenous hunter gatherers. Baka men have an average height of 4 ft 10", and the women 4 ft 1". They are known as the Defenders of the Forest.

Approximately 10,000 animal species are supported by the forest and many of these are endemic (found nowhere else on Earth). These species include the Okapi, the Bili Ape, the Congo Lion, the Forest Elephant, and the Mountain Gorilla, who live in The Virunga Mountains.

The Congo River

The Worlds Deepest River

Previously known as the Zaire River, the Congo River is 2900 miles long, and is the world's deepest river at 720 feet.

It reaches 9 miles wide at certain points, and supports indigenous tribes, and nearly 800 species of fish.

The Gates of Hell

The source of the river is located in the East African Rift Valley, and then enters "The Gates Of Hell" a 75 mile long canyon of the fastest rapids of any river system.

The Livingstone Falls

Just downriver from Kinshasa are the Livingstone Falls. Named after the explorer David Livingstone, The Livingstone Falls consist of a series of treacherous, unnavigable rapids and magnificent waterfalls that flow for 220 miles and drop the river's height by 900 feet.

After the last set of rapids the river flows peacefully for 200 miles into the Atlantic Ocean, but then forms one of the largest submarine canyons in the world.

Known as The Congo Canyon, it spreads across the continental shelf for 85km, and drops 1100km, and is 14.5km wide. Total distance from the river mouth is about 500km

The Congo river also forms the border between the DRC (to the north) and Angola (to the south).

The Congo Canyon

Landsat 8 Image//Nasa

The Mondeli Bureau

Lamprologus Lethops

Dying Fish Reveal An Astonishing Fact

These 10cm, pale, blind Cichlids, have been spotted by the locals dying on the banks of the Congo River, for decades. They hold a secret that helped reveal an astonishing fact about the lower section of the Congo River.

Melanie Stiassny, a curator at the Department of Ichthyology in the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, led the research into the reason for this strange phenomenon.​

Just how deep is this river? She asked herself?

So back in 2008 they set about investigating and found the lower section of the Congo River to be around 720 ft deep. They soon realised they were looking at the deepest river in the World.

If you wish to read the report by Mindy Weisberger click here.

The name Mondeli Bureau is a name the locals call this fish.

It translates as 'White Man In An Office'.

The Okapi

The Emblem of the DRC

But is it a Horse, Zebra or Giraffe?

It's actually closely related to the giraffe, and belongs in the Giraffidae family.

Also known as the Congolese Giraffe, the males stand an average of 5ft to the shoulders, and are roughly 8ft in length.

These curious looking, solitary, shy animals have the striped legs of a zebra, the body of a horse and the head of a giraffe.

Daniel Jolivet CC BY-SA 2.0

The males have those two characteristic giraffe like horns, called ossicones that are strangely absent on females, but they both possess that long tongue that can reach right up to their ears.

Now extinct in the forests of Uganda, the Okapi is endemic to the DRC, and it can proudly be seen on their currency, and stamped on visas on entry to the country. Classified as endangered, the Okapi Wildlife Reserve in the Ituri Forest, estimate only around 25,000 left in the wild.

Greg Goebel CC BY-SA 2.0

The Ituri Forest is now a UN World Heritage Site, and since 1997 it was listed as 'In Danger', due to conflict, illegal logging, mining, and human encroachment, that unfortunately still continues today.

​

Mount Nyiragongo

The Most Dangerous Volcano in the World

On the far eastern side of the Democratic Republic Of Congo on the northern shore of Lake Kivu lies the town Goma.

It is under constant threat, from rebel violence, and also from the most dangerous volcano in the world.

Mt. Nyiragongo is just 12 miles north of the town of Goma, and last erupted on January 17 2002, destroying much of the town and leaving over 200,000 people homeless. But this is nothing compared to what Nyiragongo is thought to be capable of.

This volcano stands at an impressive 11,384 feet, and is a true cone-shaped stratovolcano, with two lava lakes, the largest being 2km wide and 600m deep.

This smouldering caldera is so huge, it is said that the next 5 largest lava lakes, would fit inside.

Flickr.-Monusco/Abel Kavanagh. CC BY-SA 4.0

You would normally be able to walk away from a lava flow, but with the low silica content, coupled with the steep slopes of this volcano you would never even outrun it, as this lava can reach speeds of up to 60mph, making it the fastest flowing lava of any volcano.

Monusco/Neil Wetmore. CC BY-SA 2.0

Cai Tjeenk. CC BY-SA 3.0

The Afrormosia Tree

The Guardians of the Forest

Known as African Teak, this supertree can grow to the dizzy heights of around 150ft, and some even to 190ft, with a trunk diameter of around 5ft, they form the Rainforest Canopy, protecting all beneath.

Axel Fassio/Forest News/CIFOR CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

The Afrormosia is also home to much fauna and flora, that rely on this giant for their survival, so removing them will only upset an already fragile ecosystem.

It's bark is fireproof, and the wood is resistant to termites.

Used Worldwide in the manufacture of boats, furniture and veneer, this hardwood has great commercial value, so has been, and still is illegally logged in the DRC. Sadly, now it is classified as an endangered species by CITES.

​

​

​

​

Axel Fassio/Forest News/CIFOR CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

For more information on CITES and the work CIEL and Greenpeace do in the Congo please click here

The Basenji

The Dog That Prefers NOT To Bark

The Basenji, or Congo Dog, is known as the dog that doesn't bark, as they tend to make a sound very similar to yodeling. The name Basenji translates as 'Wild Dog', and they are very difficult to train due to them being an independent breed.

In the Congo they were considered more a family member than the wife, so this is something worth considering if you are thinking of owning one.

The J'ba Fofi

Fact or Fiction

An ancient ecosystem such as the Congo rainforest is bound to have many local beliefs associated with it.

Among the most exciting of these is that of the Congolese Giant Spider, which the Baka people call J'ba Fofi, meaning giant spider.

Not so Itsy Bitsy, this spider is said to have a leg span of up to 6 feet, and weaves giant webs between trees to snare its prey, which include just about

anything that is unfortunate enough to get caught.

It is of course up to you to choose to believe this or not, but the Baka are well-acquainted with the forest.

Melanie Stiassny, a curator at the Department of Ichthyology in the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, led the research into the reason for this strange phenomenon.

https://www.livescience.com/congo-river-fish-with-bends.html#:~:text=Lamprologus%20lethops%2C%20a%20fish%20that,dwell%20in%20caves%20deep%20underwater.