The archipelago is very rich in terrestrial and marine biodiversity. The great diversity of organisms and the fragility of the ecosystems of the archipelago were the two crucial factors that determined the establishment of the Forest and Marine Reserves in the two islands (Inhaca Island and Portuguese Island).

 

Mangroves of Saco, Inhaca

 

 

Mollusks picked in Inhaca

 

Birds:  600 species

Table summary of the biodiversity in the Archipelago of Inhaca

Names	Number of species
Terrestrial Plants	500
Mangrove Plants	6
Sea grasses	9
Corals	150
Sea mammals	7
Birds	300
Crustaceans	200
Fishes	600
Mollusks	115
Equinodermes	75
Terrestrial mammals	13
Reptiles	37
Insects	800
Others	Identifying

 

The Forest and marine reserves are one of the key sectors for scientific research in spite of all of such embarrassments as lack of qualified persons, financial and material resources as well as conflicting administration.