The Site is an undisturbed and unique wetland ecosystem which comprises a swamp forest, flooded and wooded savannahs and floating prairies. The soil and climate provide good conditions for the herbaceous and shrub flora which support western lowland gorillas (the Site supports one of the region’s densest populations) and chimpanzees, elephants, buffaloes, duikers and hippopotamuses. The water of Lac Télé is turbid, and has high a organic content; in contrast the rivers support rich fish resources and particularly populations of African darter (Anhinga rufa) throughout the year. The Site is owned by the local communities, which depend on its various natural resources. They practice subsistence agriculture around the wetland’s firmer ground, and fishing is also a major activity. Access to the lake is conditioned by a ritual organized under the authority of Boha village notables. Several villages are located in or around the Lac Télé Community Reserve, and the villagers depend heavily on the lake’s natural resources for fish, agricultural crops, medicines and materials for construction and canoes. Traditional territorial limits and land tenure rights are well established and generally respected. However, in the absence of a regular conservation presence, previously-established quotas regarding the off-take of fish and wildlife have been allowed to lapse.