Guinea’s varied landscapes — from coastal mangroves to the forested Nimba Massif — harbor a mix of habitats where species have evolved in isolation. Limited surveys and distinct mountain and lowland pockets mean the country supports animals you won’t find anywhere else.
There are 12 Animals Only Found in Guinea, ranging from Ansell’s Day Gecko to Western Nimba Toad. For each species the following columns are provided: Scientific name,IUCN status,Location in Guinea, so you can see taxonomy, conservation status and local range — you’ll find below.
How is “only found in Guinea” determined?
Endemism is based on verified range data from field surveys, museum records and IUCN assessments: a species is listed as only found in Guinea when no reliable records exist from other countries. That can change with new research, so lists rely on the latest published studies and conservation assessments.
Where in Guinea are these species most likely to be seen?
Many endemic species occur in specific habitats — for example, the Nimba Mountains, Ziama Forest and coastal wetlands — and some are known from very small areas; a number occur within protected areas, but sightings often require local guides, permits and targeted surveys.
Animals Only Found in Guinea
| Common name | Scientific name | IUCN status | Location in Guinea |
|---|---|---|---|
| Western Nimba Toad | Nimbaphrynoides occidentalis | Critically Endangered | Montane grasslands on the Guinean side of the Mount Nimba massif |
| Fon Squeaker | Arthroleptis fon | Data Deficient | Fouta Djallon highlands, near the towns of Dalaba and Diaguissa |
| Smith’s Sabre-toothed Frog | Odontobatrachus smithi | Data Deficient | Foothills of the Simandou Range in southeastern Guinea |
| Fouta Djallon Frog | Amnirana fonensis | Data Deficient | Known only from its type locality near Dalaba in the Fouta Djallon |
| Ansell’s Day Gecko | Cnemaspis ansellorum | Not Evaluated | Simandou and Pic de Fon mountain ranges in southeastern Guinea |
| Spotted-neck Day Gecko | Cnemaspis maculicollis | Not Evaluated | Fouta Djallon highlands in central Guinea |
| Fouta Barb | Enteromius foutensis | Data Deficient | Known only from the Fouta Djallon highlands |
| Konkouré Mountain Catfish | Doumea subpleurotaenia | Data Deficient | Upper Konkouré River basin in the Fouta Djallon |
| Bafing Catfish | Clariallabes generatrix | Data Deficient | Upper Bafing (Senegal) and Tinkisso (Niger) river headwaters |
| Guinean Killifish | Epiplatys guineensis | Data Deficient | Central and western Guinea, precise distribution is poorly known |
| Etzel’s Killifish | Scriptaphyosemion etzeli | Data Deficient | Upper Moa and St. Paul river drainages in southeastern Guinea |
| Fouta Djallon Forester | Bebearia osaes | Not Evaluated | Fouta Djallon highlands |
Images and Descriptions
Western Nimba Toad
A unique toad that gives birth to live, fully-formed young instead of laying eggs. It is critically endangered due to habitat loss from mining in its tiny, high-altitude home.
Fon Squeaker
A small, leaf-litter frog known only from a few locations in the Fouta Djallon mountains. Its secretive nature and limited data mean its true population status is a mystery for now.
Smith’s Sabre-toothed Frog
This remarkable frog belongs to its own unique family and possesses large, fang-like teeth. It lives in fast-flowing forest streams, and so little is known that its conservation status is undetermined.
Fouta Djallon Frog
A stream-dwelling frog discovered in the Fouta Djallon highlands. It has not been recorded since it was first described, raising questions about its status and the health of its freshwater habitat.
Ansell’s Day Gecko
A recently discovered species of day gecko, described by scientists in 2020. This small, rock-dwelling lizard highlights how much is still unknown about the biodiversity of Guinea’s remote mountain forests.
Spotted-neck Day Gecko
Discovered at the same time as Ansell’s Day Gecko, this species is another new addition to science. It is characterized by distinct spots on its neck and lives in rocky habitats in Guinea’s central plateau.
Fouta Barb
A small freshwater fish belonging to the barb family, found only in the river systems of the Fouta Djallon plateau. More research is needed to understand its population size and any potential threats.
Konkouré Mountain Catfish
A species of mountain catfish adapted to fast-flowing waters in the upper Konkouré River. Its flattened body helps it cling to rocks in strong currents, but little else is known about this elusive fish.
Bafing Catfish
This air-breathing catfish is restricted to the headwaters of two of West Africa’s major rivers. Its specific habitat requirements and population trends in the Fouta Djallon are currently unknown to science.
Guinean Killifish
A colorful top-dwelling killifish found in small streams and swamps. While named for the country, its exact range and conservation needs are poorly documented, making its status uncertain.
Etzel’s Killifish
A vibrant killifish living in the forested headwaters of rivers in southeastern Guinea. Like many killifish, it has a short lifespan and is popular among hobbyists, but its wild status is unknown.
Fouta Djallon Forester
A species of butterfly from the Nymphalidae family, known only from the Fouta Djallon massif. Its presence underscores the unique invertebrate fauna of this region, much of which remains poorly studied.
