Mosquito - Côte d'Ivoire

Prior to French and Portuguese colonization, the historical region of Côte d'Ivoire served as an area witnessing the emergence of five leading African states. The Kong Empire was established by the Dyula people. The Gyaaman, Baoulé, Indénié, and Sanwi Kingdoms were established by the Akan people.

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Mosquito - The mosquito may be responsible for causing more human deaths and suffering than any other animal on earth. Mosquitoes are ectoparasites; a life form using an external and non-symbiotic relationship with an unwilling host for its own advantage. In some species, the female mosquito must obtain a blood meal to produce her eggs. In other species, the number of eggs produced can be enhanced through a blood meal. The pathogens transferred by the mosquito from one host to another can be fatal.

Painted Snipe - Côte d'Ivoire

Rostratula benghalensis - The painted snipe is an exception to most birds by having an obvious reverse sexual dimorphism. In most bird species, the male is larger and more colorful, but with the painted snipe, the male is smaller and drab in color. The female is also the one to initiate courtship, while it is the male’s duty to incubate the eggs and raise the young. When the chicks or nest are threatened, the snipe is known to lure the intruder away by feigning injury to distract the predator.

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The Portuguese used the west coast of Africa as a source of replenishing ships passing between Europe and the Spice Islands, but it was the French who established colonial rule over Côte d'Ivoire; French for “Ivory Coast.” The region was known as such because of the large trade in elephant ivory stemming from the Ivory Coast. Most ivory is taken from elephants, but other sources include hippopotamus, walrus, pig, elk, and narwhal. The ivory trade is now banned in most countries.