Peripterygia

Peripterygia is a biogeographic region situated in Central Africa, encompassing parts of Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, and the Cabinda Province of Angola. The name, derived from Greek meaning “around the margins,” reflects its position along the western edge of the Congo Basin. The area is characterised by a humid tropical climate with high rainfall, typically ranging from 2,500 to 4,000 millimetres annually, and relatively stable temperatures throughout the year.

This region constitutes one of the most biodiverse lowland rainforests in the world. Dominant canopy tree families include Fabaceae, Sterculiaceae, and Euphorbiaceae, forming a multi-layered structure of emergent, canopy, and understory strata. The understory is dense with palms, lianas, and a variety of epiphytic orchids and bromeliads. In addition to tree diversity, the region supports large populations of primates such as lowland gorillas and various species of chimpanzees, as well as myriad bird species including the African grey parrot and numerous raptor species. Large herbivores such as forest elephants and various antelope species are also present.

Peripterygia faces significant conservation challenges. Deforestation driven by logging, agricultural expansion, and mining has fragmented habitats, threatening species that rely on contiguous forest cover. Efforts to preserve the region include the establishment of protected areas such as national parks and community-managed reserves. International partnerships and biodiversity funding programmes aim to improve monitoring of wildlife populations and to promote sustainable land‑use practices. Continued conservation actions are essential to safeguard the ecological integrity of the Peripterygia region, which is vital for both regional biodiversity and global ecological processes.