Because plant leaves can only be found in the tall canopies of rainforest trees, most rainforest-dwelling animals are also found living in these tree-tops.

The African rainforests are home to hundreds of different bird species, as well as snakes, apes and monkeys. The most famous African apes are probably the chimpanzee and the gorilla. 

On the rainforest's ground level, the amount of vegetation is scarce. As a result, only a few large animals live there. These include the leopard (pictured on the right). 

Rainforests are full of various insect species. The larvae of these insects eat plant leaves, and they are themselves the food of many birds and other insects.

Various species of fish, giant snakes and crocodiles also live in the rivers of the African rainforests.