Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park, Nature reserve in Sangha Department, Republic of Congo
Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park is a large forest reserve in the Sangha region with three distinct ecosystems ranging from humid rainforest to swamp forest. The park is home to many animal species, including elephants, apes, and antelopes, as well as hundreds of tree species.
The park was established in 1993 to protect one of Africa's largest and least disturbed forest areas. Its protected territory was later expanded to safeguard additional forest lands.
Local Baka communities and other groups maintain traditional forest uses in areas near the park, including plant gathering and crafting techniques passed down through generations. These practices shape how people connect with and understand the surrounding landscape.
Visitors should travel with experienced local guides who know the forest well and can show safe routes through the different habitats. The best time to visit is during the dry season, when trails are more accessible and wildlife viewing is easier.
Research stations in the park allow scientists to study several gorilla groups that tolerate relatively close human proximity, making it possible to observe their behavior from a safe distance. This habituation to human observation is rare and makes the area especially valuable for behavioral research.
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