Nature

The isolation of Cape Verde about 500 km from the African mainland has resulted in the islands having a large number of endemic species, many of which are endangered by human development. Endemic birds include:

• Alexander's Swift (Apus alexandri)
• Raso Lark (Alauda razae)
• Cape Verde Warbler (Acrocephalus brevipennis)
• Iago Sparrow (Passer iagoensis)

Reptiles include the Cape Verde Giant Gecko (Tarentola gigas).