Ecology

Located on a chain of inactive volcanoes rising from the Gulf of Guinea, the São Tomé and Príncipe Moist Lowland Forest ecoregion is home to many endemic plants and animals. Because the islands have never been connected with each other or the mainland, which is about 220 km away, each harbors its own endemic plants and animals. In fact, the island of São Tomé alone is home to 16 endemic bird species and an entire endemic genus of plants.  The World Wildlife fund has an informative section on the islands.

The islands were uninhabited in 1470-71 when the Portuguese discovered them and were the first place cacoa was instroduced to Africa in 1823.  The unique combination of remoteness and direct decendants to nearly 200 year old cocoa plants brought from Brazil make for a remarkably unique cocoa. 

Why all the bird stamps and what's a Giant Weaver? 

São Tomé and Príncipe, sometimes referred to as the Galapagos of Africa, host a treasure-chest of striking endemic birds; more than 25 species are found here only.  The Giant Weaver, also known as the (Ploceus grandis) is a species of bird in the Ploceidae family. It is endemic to São Tomé and Príncipe.