Country: Guinea
Administrative region: Kindia (Prefecture)
Central co-ordinates: 10.16528 N, 12.95083 W
Area: 633km²
Qualifying IPA Criteria
A(i)Site contains one or more globally threatened species, A(iii)Site contains one or more highly restricted endemic species that are potentially threatened, B(i)Site contains a high number of species within defined habitat or vegetation types, C(iii)Site contains nationally threatened or restricted habitat or vegetation types, AND/OR habitats that have severely declined in extent nationally
IPA assessment rationale
The Mt Gangan sandstone table mountains form a unique environment within the local area of Kindia Prefecture, the sandstone cliffs, low altitude sandstone bowal and submontane forest are all recognised as threatened vegetation types of Guinea. Species globally endemic to Mt Gangan are Kindia gangan (newly described in 2018), Clerodendrum sylviae, Phyllanthus felicis, plus several near endemics to Mt Gangan e.g. Pitcairnia feliciana, the only bromeliad in Africa. There are numerous other rare and threatened species found on the sandstone bowal, including Plectranthus linearifolius and Raphionacme caerulea. The area also includes some disturbed lowland forest on Mt Gangan itself.
Site description
The Mt Gangan Sandstone Mountains are located north east of the town of Kindia. The core area is 33.4 km wide and 26.5 km at its longest point. It is made up of a series of sandstone step hills intersected with valleys and surrounded by sandstone bowal. The proposed TIPA surrounds the top half of the reservoir at Samaya. Sandstone steps on the bowal have Plectranthus sp. nov., and Cyanotis ganganensis both nearly endemic to Mt Gangan. The sandstone bowal is often used for small-scale cultivation of vegetables and herbs. The crevices and cracks in the cliffs are home to numerous endemic species and new species have been recently discovered here.
Mt Gangan itself has patches of remnant submontane forest near the summit, however, much was lost due to a now disused banana plantation, and part of the summit area is cleared and littered by tourists from Kindia as a picnic spot. Part of this area was previously designated as a Classified Forest, but there has been little practical protection in recent years. The low altitude sandstone bowal, submontane forest and sandstone cliffs are recognised as threatened vegetation types in Guinea.
Botanical significance
The topographic features of the Mt Gangan Sandstone Mountains give rise to some unique habitats. Numerous species endemic to Guinea are found on the cliffs, for example Pitcairnia feliciana EN, the only native African member of the Bromeliaceae (pineapple family), and Fleurydora felicis VU (Ochnaceae) and Clerodendrum sylvae EN (Lamiaceae). In 2018, a new genus to science was described from these cliff areas, Kindia gangan (Rubiaceae), also monospecific and endemic to Mt Gangan. In addition, Anisotes guineensis (Acanthaceae), Cyanotis ganganensis (Commelinaceae), Apodiscus chevalieri (Phyllanthaceae) are also present; all these species are threatened and have a very restricted distribution.
The sandstone bowal dominant grass is Anadelphia chevalieri, globally endemic to the Kindia area. Globally threatened species include Utricularia pobeguinii (Lentibulariaceae), which are also unique to the environs of Kindia, Plectranthus linearifolius (Lamiaceae) and an unusual variant of Raphionacme caerulea (Apocynaceae). Baphia heudelotiana VU (Leguminosae-Papillionoideae) and Fegimanra afzelii NT (Anacardiaceae), small trees are found in the deeper cracks of the bowal.
Habitat and geology
Sandstone table mountains, cliffs and valleys with crevices and cracks. The valley vegetation can be quite high and dense. Sandstone bowal with seepage areas, temporary waterways. Mt Gangan itself has patches of remnant submontane forest near the summit, however, much was lost due to a previous banana plantation (now disused). In the local language of Susu, gangan means ‘Sisal’. The mountain takes its name from this plant species. Ordovician sandstone layered with younger Silurian and Devonian argillite and siltstone; differential weathering gives rise to steps in the mountains (Source: Carte des Minéraux de la Guinee, Ministry of Mines, Government of Guinea, 2006).
Conservation issues
There are several threats to this area. Fires from the cattle herders are an issue in the lowland bowal area and potentially they can move up valleys and onto the cliffs. Cattle herds of large numbers have been observed in this area and this can cause damage through trampling and overgrazing. Cultivation of market garden produce is a threat to the bowal. This is currently quite localised and small scale, but threatens some areas where Raphionacme caerulea has been observed. There is also a threat from lowland forest being cleared for charcoal production. Fleurydora felicis is used by the local people as a medicine, but the level of collection and utilisation is not known.
Site assessor(s)
Charlotte Couch, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew
Martin Cheek, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew
Denise Molmou, Herbier National de Guinee/ Simfer
Sekou Magassouba, Herbier National de Guinee
Saidou Doumbouya, COSIE (Ministre de l'Environnement, Eaux et Forets, Govt de Guinee)
IPA criterion A species
| Species | Qualifying sub-criterion | ≥ 1% of global population | ≥ 5% of national population | 1 of 5 best sites nationally | Entire global population | Socio-economically important | Abundance at site |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pitcairnia feliciana (A.Chev.) Harms & Mildbr. | A(i) |  |
|
|
 |
|
Frequent |
| Fleurydora felicis A.Chev. | A(i) | |
|
|
|
|
Scarce |
| Kindia gangan Cheek | A(i) | |
|
|
|
|
Scarce |
| Anisotes guineensis Lindau | A(i) | |
|
|
|
|
Scarce |
| Apodiscus chevalieri Hutch. | A(i) | |
|
|
|
|
Scarce |
| Baphia heudelotiana Baill. | A(i) | |
|
|
|
|
Scarce |
| Cyanotis ganganensis Schnell | A(i) | |
|
|
|
|
Scarce |
| Anadelphia pumila Jacq.-Fél. | A(i) | |
|
|
|
|
Unknown |
| Dilophotriche occidentalis Jacq.-Fél. | A(i) | |
|
|
|
|
Scarce |
| Digitaria patagiata Henrard | A(i) | |
|
|
|
|
Scarce |
| Dissotis humilis A.Chev. & Jacq.-Fél. | A(i) | |
|
|
|
|
Scarce |
| Heterotis pygmaea (A.Chev. & Jacq.-Fél.) Jacq.-Fél. | A(i) | |
|
|
|
|
Scarce |
| Keetia susu Cheek | A(i) | |
|
|
|
|
Scarce |
| Bulbostylis guineensis Cherm. ex M.Bodard | A(i) | |
|
|
|
|
Scarce |
| Utricularia pobeguinii Pellegr. | A(i) | |
|
|
|
|
Scarce |
| Utricularia macrocheilos (P.Taylor) P.Taylor | A(i), A(iii) | |
|
|
|
|
Scarce |
| Utricularia tetraloba P.Taylor | A(i) | |
|
|
|
|
Scarce |
| Clerodendrum sylvae J.-G.Adam | A(i) | |
|
|
|
|
Occasional |
| Anadelphia chevalieri Reznik | A(i) | |
|
|
|
|
Scarce |
| Phyllanthus felicis J.F.Brunel | A(i) | |
|
|
|
|
Occasional |
| Schizachyrium penicillatum Jacq.-Fél. | A(i) | |
|
|
|
|
Unknown |
| Schizachyrium radicosum Jacq.-Fél. | A(i) | |
|
|
|
|
Unknown |
| Anadelphia macrochaeta (Stapf) Clayton | A(i) | |
|
|
|
|
Scarce |
| Napoleonaea alata Jongkind | A(i) | |
|
|
|
|
Scarce |
| Dissotis leonensis Hutch. & Dalziel | A(i) | |
|
|
|
|
Scarce |
| Anadelphia trichaeta (Reznik) Clayton | A(i) | |
|
|
|
|
Scarce |
Pitcairnia feliciana (A.Chev.) Harms & Mildbr.
Qualifying sub-criterion:
A(i)
≥ 1% of global population:
≥ 5% of national population:
1 of 5 best sites nationally:
Entire global population:
Socio-economically important:
Abundance at site:
Frequent
Fleurydora felicis A.Chev.
Qualifying sub-criterion:
A(i)
≥ 1% of global population:
≥ 5% of national population:
1 of 5 best sites nationally:
Entire global population:
Socio-economically important:
Abundance at site:
Scarce
Kindia gangan Cheek
Qualifying sub-criterion:
A(i)
≥ 1% of global population:
≥ 5% of national population:
1 of 5 best sites nationally:
Entire global population:
Socio-economically important:
Abundance at site:
Scarce
Anisotes guineensis Lindau
Qualifying sub-criterion:
A(i)
≥ 1% of global population:
≥ 5% of national population:
1 of 5 best sites nationally:
Entire global population:
Socio-economically important:
Abundance at site:
Scarce
Apodiscus chevalieri Hutch.
Qualifying sub-criterion:
A(i)
≥ 1% of global population:
≥ 5% of national population:
1 of 5 best sites nationally:
Entire global population:
Socio-economically important:
Abundance at site:
Scarce
Baphia heudelotiana Baill.
Qualifying sub-criterion:
A(i)
≥ 1% of global population:
≥ 5% of national population:
1 of 5 best sites nationally:
Entire global population:
Socio-economically important:
Abundance at site:
Scarce
Cyanotis ganganensis Schnell
Qualifying sub-criterion:
A(i)
≥ 1% of global population:
≥ 5% of national population:
1 of 5 best sites nationally:
Entire global population:
Socio-economically important:
Abundance at site:
Scarce
Anadelphia pumila Jacq.-Fél.
Qualifying sub-criterion:
A(i)
≥ 1% of global population:
≥ 5% of national population:
1 of 5 best sites nationally:
Entire global population:
Socio-economically important:
Abundance at site:
Unknown
Dilophotriche occidentalis Jacq.-Fél.
Qualifying sub-criterion:
A(i)
≥ 1% of global population:
≥ 5% of national population:
1 of 5 best sites nationally:
Entire global population:
Socio-economically important:
Abundance at site:
Scarce
Digitaria patagiata Henrard
Qualifying sub-criterion:
A(i)
≥ 1% of global population:
≥ 5% of national population:
1 of 5 best sites nationally:
Entire global population:
Socio-economically important:
Abundance at site:
Scarce
Dissotis humilis A.Chev. & Jacq.-Fél.
Qualifying sub-criterion:
A(i)
≥ 1% of global population:
≥ 5% of national population:
1 of 5 best sites nationally:
Entire global population:
Socio-economically important:
Abundance at site:
Scarce
Heterotis pygmaea (A.Chev. & Jacq.-Fél.) Jacq.-Fél.
Qualifying sub-criterion:
A(i)
≥ 1% of global population:
≥ 5% of national population:
1 of 5 best sites nationally:
Entire global population:
Socio-economically important:
Abundance at site:
Scarce
Keetia susu Cheek
Qualifying sub-criterion:
A(i)
≥ 1% of global population:
≥ 5% of national population:
1 of 5 best sites nationally:
Entire global population:
Socio-economically important:
Abundance at site:
Scarce
Bulbostylis guineensis Cherm. ex M.Bodard
Qualifying sub-criterion:
A(i)
≥ 1% of global population:
≥ 5% of national population:
1 of 5 best sites nationally:
Entire global population:
Socio-economically important:
Abundance at site:
Scarce
Utricularia pobeguinii Pellegr.
Qualifying sub-criterion:
A(i)
≥ 1% of global population:
≥ 5% of national population:
1 of 5 best sites nationally:
Entire global population:
Socio-economically important:
Abundance at site:
Scarce
Utricularia macrocheilos (P.Taylor) P.Taylor
Qualifying sub-criterion:
A(i), A(iii)
≥ 1% of global population:
≥ 5% of national population:
1 of 5 best sites nationally:
Entire global population:
Socio-economically important:
Abundance at site:
Scarce
Utricularia tetraloba P.Taylor
Qualifying sub-criterion:
A(i)
≥ 1% of global population:
≥ 5% of national population:
1 of 5 best sites nationally:
Entire global population:
Socio-economically important:
Abundance at site:
Scarce
Clerodendrum sylvae J.-G.Adam
Qualifying sub-criterion:
A(i)
≥ 1% of global population:
≥ 5% of national population:
1 of 5 best sites nationally:
Entire global population:
Socio-economically important:
Abundance at site:
Occasional
Anadelphia chevalieri Reznik
Qualifying sub-criterion:
A(i)
≥ 1% of global population:
≥ 5% of national population:
1 of 5 best sites nationally:
Entire global population:
Socio-economically important:
Abundance at site:
Scarce
Phyllanthus felicis J.F.Brunel
Qualifying sub-criterion:
A(i)
≥ 1% of global population:
≥ 5% of national population:
1 of 5 best sites nationally:
Entire global population:
Socio-economically important:
Abundance at site:
Occasional
Schizachyrium penicillatum Jacq.-Fél.
Qualifying sub-criterion:
A(i)
≥ 1% of global population:
≥ 5% of national population:
1 of 5 best sites nationally:
Entire global population:
Socio-economically important:
Abundance at site:
Unknown
Schizachyrium radicosum Jacq.-Fél.
Qualifying sub-criterion:
A(i)
≥ 1% of global population:
≥ 5% of national population:
1 of 5 best sites nationally:
Entire global population:
Socio-economically important:
Abundance at site:
Unknown
Anadelphia macrochaeta (Stapf) Clayton
Qualifying sub-criterion:
A(i)
≥ 1% of global population:
≥ 5% of national population:
1 of 5 best sites nationally:
Entire global population:
Socio-economically important:
Abundance at site:
Scarce
Napoleonaea alata Jongkind
Qualifying sub-criterion:
A(i)
≥ 1% of global population:
≥ 5% of national population:
1 of 5 best sites nationally:
Entire global population:
Socio-economically important:
Abundance at site:
Scarce
Dissotis leonensis Hutch. & Dalziel
Qualifying sub-criterion:
A(i)
≥ 1% of global population:
≥ 5% of national population:
1 of 5 best sites nationally:
Entire global population:
Socio-economically important:
Abundance at site:
Scarce
Anadelphia trichaeta (Reznik) Clayton
Qualifying sub-criterion:
A(i)
≥ 1% of global population:
≥ 5% of national population:
1 of 5 best sites nationally:
Entire global population:
Socio-economically important:
Abundance at site:
Scarce
IPA criterion C qualifying habitats
| Habitat | Qualifying sub-criterion | ≥ 5% of national resource | ≥ 10% of national resource | 1 of 5 best sites nationally | Areal coverage at site |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low Altitude Sandstone Bowal Grasslands | C(iii) | |
|
|
451 |
| Sandstone cliffs and walls | C(iii) | |
|
|
58 |
Low Altitude Sandstone Bowal Grasslands
Qualifying sub-criterion:
C(iii)
≥ 5% of national resource:
≥ 10% of national resource:
Areal coverage at site:
451
Sandstone cliffs and walls
Qualifying sub-criterion:
C(iii)
≥ 5% of national resource:
≥ 10% of national resource:
Areal coverage at site:
58
General site habitats
| General site habitat | Percent coverage | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Grassland - Subtropical/Tropical Seasonally Wet/Flooded Lowland Grassland | |
Major |
| Rocky Areas - Rocky Areas [e.g. inland cliffs, mountain peaks] | |
Minor |
Grassland - Subtropical/Tropical Seasonally Wet/Flooded Lowland Grassland
Percent coverage:
Importance:
Major
Rocky Areas - Rocky Areas [e.g. inland cliffs, mountain peaks]
Percent coverage:
Importance:
Minor
Land use types
| Land use type | Percent coverage | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Agriculture (pastoral) | |
Major |
| Agriculture (arable) | |
Minor |
| Tourism / Recreation | |
Minor |
Agriculture (pastoral)
Percent coverage:
Importance:
Major
Agriculture (arable)
Percent coverage:
Importance:
Minor
Tourism / Recreation
Percent coverage:
Importance:
Minor
Threats
| Threat | Severity | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Residential & commercial development - Housing & urban areas | Low | Ongoing - increasing |
| Agriculture & aquaculture - Annual & perennial non-timber crops - Small-holder farming | Medium | Ongoing - stable |
| Agriculture & aquaculture - Livestock farming & ranching - Small-holder grazing, ranching or farming | High | Ongoing - increasing |
| Biological resource use - Logging & wood harvesting | High | Ongoing - increasing |
| Natural system modifications - Fire & fire suppression - Increase in fire frequency/intensity | Medium | Ongoing - stable |
Residential & commercial development - Housing & urban areas
Severity:
Low
Timing:
Ongoing - increasing
Agriculture & aquaculture - Annual & perennial non-timber crops - Small-holder farming
Severity:
Medium
Timing:
Ongoing - stable
Agriculture & aquaculture - Livestock farming & ranching - Small-holder grazing, ranching or farming
Severity:
High
Timing:
Ongoing - increasing
Biological resource use - Logging & wood harvesting
Severity:
High
Timing:
Ongoing - increasing
Natural system modifications - Fire & fire suppression - Increase in fire frequency/intensity
Severity:
Medium
Timing:
Ongoing - stable
Protected areas
| Protected area name | Protected area type | Relationship with IPA | Areal overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mt Gangan | Classified Forest | IPA encompasses protected/conservation area | 90 |
Mt Gangan
Protected area type:
Classified Forest
Relationship with IPA:
IPA encompasses protected/conservation area
Areal overlap:
90
Management type
| Management type | Description | Year started | Year finished |
|---|---|---|---|
| No management plan in place | |
|
No management plan in place
Year started:
Year finished:
Bibliography
Flore (Angiospermes) de la République de Guinée.
Threatened plants species of Guinea-Conakry: A preliminary checklist
Peerj Preprints
IUCN Red List
Kindia (Pavetteae, Rubiaceae), a new cliff-dwelling genus with chemically profiled colleter exudate from Mt Gangan, Republic of Guinea.
PeerJ
Rapport de terrain du projet Darwin initiative dans la zone de Kindia et Coyah.
Rapport Darwin de la mission a Kebe Friguia et environs, Kindia.
Darwin TIPAs Report Field expedition to Friguiagbé and Kindia area 26-29 October 2017
Recommended citation
Charlotte Couch, Martin Cheek, Denise Molmou, Sekou Magassouba, Saidou Doumbouya (2024) Tropical Important Plant Areas Explorer: Mt Gangan Sandstone Mountain Chain (Guinea). https://tipas.kew.org/site/mt-gangan-sandstone-mountain-chain/ (Accessed on 27/07/2024)