The country lies largely in the savanna zone of Africa. The northern part is treeless, whereas the southern portion of the country contains dense tropical rainforests, particularly along the Ubangi and Sangha rivers. Many species of antelope, as well as baboons, buffalo, and elephants, reside in the savannas. Once-numerous black rhinoceroses are now rare, the victims of overhunting. In the rainforests an even greater diversity of wildlife exists, including gorillas, chimpanzees and other primates, leopards, and the endangered bongo.
Rivers contain many species of fish, crocodiles, and hippopotamuses.