Wildlife of the Cape Verde Islands

Cape Verde's isolation creates unique biodiversity—high endemism, especially reptiles and birds.

Marine Mammals (Rich Cetacean Habitat)

• Humpback whales (breeding, Mar–May), Sperm whales, Pilot whales, Melon-headed whales.
• Dolphins: Bottlenose, Atlantic spotted, Rough-toothed, Risso's, Striped, Clymene.
• Beaked whales: Cuvier's, Blainville's, Gervais' (deep water).

Birds (Key Endemic/Restricted Species)

• Endemic: Cape Verde Warbler, Cape Verde Swift, Raso Lark (Raso islet only), Cape Verde Shearwater, Cape Verde Buzzard (split from Common).
• Seabirds: Fea's Petrel, Boyd's Shearwater, Brown Booby, Red-billed Tropicbird, Magnificent Frigatebird.
• Landbirds: Grey-headed Kingfisher, Helmeted Guineafowl (introduced), Common Waxbill (introduced).

Reptiles (High Endemism)

• Giant Gecko (Tarentola gigas), Cape Verde Leaf-toed Gecko, São Nicolau Gecko.
• Skinks: Chioninia spp. (several single-island endemics).
• Sea Turtles: Loggerhead (major nesting on Boa Vista, Sal, Maio), Green, Hawksbill, Leatherback, Olive Ridley.

Marine Life

Coral reefs (limited), 600+ fish species, whale sharks, manta rays, spiny lobster, cone snails.

Conservation: 47 protected areas; Biosphere Reserves (Fogo, Maio). Threats: invasive species (cats, rats, goats), overfishing, coastal development, climate change.