Cheetahs, ostrich, addaxes, kudus and a Hartmann's mountain zebra all reside on Africa Trail.
Scientists at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute have been studying the behavior, breeding and health of many species along Africa Trail. Biologists collect behavior and hormone data on cheetah populations to optimize breeding success. Staff also work to understand reproductive behavior and physiology, parental behavior, infant behavior and development, nutrition, health and disease of cheetahs and other species.
The Zoo’s Gabon Biodiversity Program has been on the front lines of integrating conservation needs with development priorities to sustain biodiversity in Gabon and training the next generation of conservation practitioners. The Gamba Complex of Protected Areas in southwestern Gabon is rich in biodiversity, encompassing many habitat types and species of concern, including gorillas, forest elephants and sea turtles.