Comoros Wildlife and Economy
Animals and Plants
What is growing there on the Comoros?
Long ago, tropical rainforest covered the islands of the Comoros. Unfortunately, there is little left of it today, as large forests were cut down and plantations had to give way. Today the savannahs take up large areas of the country.
There are mangrove forests on the coast. Mangroves are trees that the salty water cannot harm. Many animals live in their widely intertwined roots and find shelter here.
There are also palm trees, orchids, baobab trees, bougainvillea and other tropical plants and spices such as vanilla and cloves.
It smells good!
The ylang-ylang plant with its yellow flowers is particularly typical of the Comoros. Because these flowers give off an intense fragrance. They are used as the basis for oils and perfumes. Even for Chanel No. 5 they should be used, this is a very famous perfume.
Which animals live in the Comoros?
Many fish live in the sea around the Comoros. The coral reefs off the islands keep attracting divers. The animal world on land is less diverse. It is similar to that in Madagascar. As there, rare animals also live on the Comoros, for example several species of birds and turtles. 21 bird species and nine reptile species are endemic. The Mongozmaki is a small ape that was introduced to the Comoros.
An animal from prehistoric times
A specialty on the Comoros is a prehistoric animal that was discovered a few years ago. It is said to have lived there 65 million years ago and still lives there today: it is a coelacanth. Coelacids are a kind of transitional form between marine and land animals. For a long time it was thought that this species was extinct until it was discovered in the waters of the Comoros. The coelacanth is therefore also called a “living fossil”.
On the drawing you can see what this prehistoric animal looks like. To protect this, the people in the Comoros have even thought of their own song.
Economy
The Comoros are among the poorest countries in the world
The Comoros are among the poorest countries in the world. The country is dependent on outside help. Above all, the Comoros lack raw materials. In addition, the population is growing rapidly and people are poorly trained or not trained at all. The result is high unemployment. For more articles on Comoros and Africa, please visit shopareview.
To all the many years in which the country was politically unstable and it always came to coup was trying. Few companies have invested money in the Comoros. 14 out of 100 people live below the poverty line.
Corn and cassava
80 out of 100 people in the Comoros work in agriculture. But the Komorans grow most of the products for their own consumption. Mainly corn, sweet potatoes, cassava, bananas and rice are among the most important foods and cultivated products on the Comoros. In addition to farming, the Komorans also fish.
Vanilla and ylang-ylang
Vanilla, cinnamon, cloves and ylang-ylang flowers are grown for export. These flowers serve as an important basis for perfume production. Most of the larger companies in the Comoros are of French origin.
Little industry
There is almost no industry on the Comoros. Either food is processed here or oils and soap are produced. The most important trading nation for the Comoros is France, the former colonial power. Many Comorans live in France and their money transfers are often very important for the income of their relatives in the Comoros. The Komorans have to import many things from abroad.
Out and about by boat or plane
The road network on the Comoros is still poorly developed and only a few hundred kilometers consist of asphalt. You can get from island to island either by boat or by plane.
Tourism is not yet a source of income. Too many tourists do not travel to the poor country, although it has some scenic beauties, species-rich diving areas and wide beaches.
