Site Ramsar Ntokou-Pikounda. 18/09/2012; Sangha, Cuvette; 427,200 ha; 0°10'15'N 16°16'50'E. A complex of permanent freshwater rivers and lakes surrounded by marshes, trees, shrubs and ponds. The diverse habitat types favour a rich biodiversity including several IUCN Red-Listed species such as Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius), African elephant (Loxodonta africana), Western lowland Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) and Central Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes troglodytes). The site serves as refuge to several migrating waterbirds, and it supports above 180 fish species and several plant species with great economic value for the local population, who harvest and trade on non-timber forest products and carry out subsistence agriculture, fishing and hunting. It is very important in maintaining the general hydrological balance of the Congo basin and ensuring ground water recharge. In addition to its economic and hydrological values, it is of great cultural, historical and religious value to the resident population. The site is mostly threatened by invasive exotic aquatic plant species, destructive fishing techniques, agriculture by burning, and poaching. Ramsar site no. 2079. Most recent RIS information 2012.