Gambie-Oundou-Liti. 14/11/05; Labé, 527,400 ha; 11°33'N 012°18'W. Nature Reserve. A mountainous site in the Fouta massif that plays an important hydrologic role as the origin of numerous water courses which flow into surrounding countries and are regulated by three protected forests. Floodplains, savannas, gallery and mountain forests are important habitats, reproduction, resting and feeding sites for some threatened species such as lions, chimps and wild dogs, and for many more mammal, raptor and waterbird species for which there is still little information available. Agriculture (subsistence and fruit trees) and animal raising are the main land uses, while apiculture and fishing are less developed. Water is considered a public good with water courses and sources managed communally, based on the Water Code. There is a high tourist potential in the area that remains to be exploited, with several interesting cultural and natural attractions, including underground mosques, mysterious tombs, smoky caves, giant bees, waterfalls and warrior "tatas" or fortified houses. One of the main threats to the site, as well as to downstream wetlands, is the projected Sambagallo dam, which will flood part of the Kabéla forest. Ramsar site no. 1579.Most recent RIS information: 2005.

Last publication date: 14-11-2005