Africa is home to one of the most diverse group of ecosystems in the world.  Its plant and animals life is often found nowhere else, and the number of different living organisms is amazing.

Biological diversity is caused by differing ecosystems throughout the continent.

Factors such as the amount of water an area receives, its native vegetation and wildlife, topography, and the quality and type of soil all affect the ecosystem in an area.

A few African countries stand out in terms of diversity of wildlife.  Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa, and Zaire are all known internationally for the unique animals they have.

The most common ecosystem in Africa is the savanna.  The savanna comes in several forms, and is home to most people and animals on the continent.

Africa's savannas contain many native plants and animals.  They are the world's richest grasslands and have more large mammals than anywhere else in the world. 

Mountain and plateau areas have unique ecosystems of their own.  Wetlands, which cover 1% of Africa's land, exist in every African country.  Many rare and indigenous plant and animal species reside in Africa's wetlands.

In addition to the land animals, Africa's coast contains a wide array of sea species.  Many types of fish, including tuna, marlin, and billfish, now live in African waters.

Unfortunately, much of Africa's great biodiversity is at risk.  Human are now ruining natural habitats and destroying natural ecosystems so that land can be used for crops.  Hunting, grazing and forest clearing have also been prime causes of the loss of biodiversity.