Both the white-thighed colobus (Colobus vellerosus) and the white-naped mangabey (Cercocebus lunu... more Both the white-thighed colobus (Colobus vellerosus) and the white-naped mangabey (Cercocebus lunulatus) have been rapidly experiencing local extinctions in forests throughout their distribution ranges. Historically both species had been widely distributed in West Africa (Grubb 1998), but they have been extirpated from almost all protected areas where they used to be common
International journal of natural resource ecology and management, Oct 13, 2016
Field survey was conducted in ten farms in Northern Region from December 2014 to April 2015 to co... more Field survey was conducted in ten farms in Northern Region from December 2014 to April 2015 to collect, identify and access the insects distribution on the cashew farms close to natural forest and agricultural farm land, during the flowering and the fruiting periods of cashew. The sample farms were divided into four plots measuring 20 m x 25 m. Insects found on the cashew plants during the flowering and fruiting periods were identified, counted and unidentified insects were killed in killing jars and preserved in 70% alcohol for further identification. The following were the insects encountered in both farms during the flowering period:
Traditionally, botanic gardens have been set aside to conserve mainly trees, but it has additiona... more Traditionally, botanic gardens have been set aside to conserve mainly trees, but it has additional contributions to harbor birds and other faunal species. Conservationist have neglected the animal component of the botanic gardens, it is against this background that this study sought to investigate into the bird species composition, abundance, and their distribution in the Aburi Botanical Garden, Ghana. The garden was stratified into Botanic Reserve (closed forest) and Cultivated Area (open forest), and a total five transects were distributed in each area. Bird census was carried out along these transect between the hours of 6am to 10am and 4pm to 6pm each day for three days The Botanic Reserve constituted more species with fewer individuals whereas the Cultivated Area had more individuals with fewer species. Food and light penetration were the main determining factors in the distribution and abundance of birds in the Botanic Gardens. The distribution of birds and their abundance were suspected to be influenced by the habitat type and the kind of resources it avails.The bird species dominant in the area are generalist species with only a small fraction being specialist species. It is therefore recommended that policies of the Botanic Gardens should include the protection of birds and other faunal species because of their interdependent relationship.
Accurate descriptions of long term chronological changes in rainforest ecosystems following both ... more Accurate descriptions of long term chronological changes in rainforest ecosystems following both natural and anthropogenic disturbances can increase our understanding of how these systems respond to various disturbances (Sheil, 2001). The concept of 'direct regeneration' after disturbance to ecosystems (Boucher, 1990; Vandermeer et al., 1990; Yih et al., 1991), in contrast to classical models of succession, suggests that those species dominant in the first years after the disturbance will be the same as the species which were dominant before the disturbance. The first notions of sustainable tropical forest management were directed towards maintaining the timber yields of valuable timber species. This led to the establishment of the first silvicultural research plots in several countries with tropical rainforests by the beginning of the twentieth century (Lamprecht, 1989; Dawkins and Philip, 1998; Bertauld and Kadir, 1998; Chazdon and Whitmore, 2002). The research focused mainly on identifying means to enhance the growth of commercial tree species while suppressing the unmerchantable species (Lamprecht 1989, Dawkins and Philip 1998). With increasing environmental awareness, forest managers came to understand that there are many other valuable services provided by forests in addition to timber production that must also be taken into consideration. Climate change has been embraced and measures are being taken to adapt in all aspects of its consequences.
A low-tech method for preventing elephants from destroying farms around Kakum Conservation Area i... more A low-tech method for preventing elephants from destroying farms around Kakum Conservation Area in Ghana was assessed to evaluate its efficacy in warding off marauding elephants. Sixty fenced and 60 unfenced farms located at the peripheries of the protected area were selected and each inspected regularly for 12 months. One hundred twenty farmers were interviewed on the use of the pepper-grease fence to determine their level of knowledge of the efficacy of the method. In 75% of the fenced farms, elephants came close to the fence but never crossed it; they never visited 20% of these farms and only 5% attempted to break through or enter. Of the farms that were not fenced at all, elephants raided 75% completely. Most of the respondents (76.7%) had good knowledge of the pepper fence. Their major sources of information were the staff of the Wildlife Division and agricultural extension agents (54.5%); 31.1% had heard about it from other farmers. Only 14.4% got their knowledge from observing other farmers. In practice, 26.7% said they used it effectively, 22.2% partially, and 51.1% did not practise the method at all. Cost and difficulty of acquiring materials were the main issues affecting lack of adoption. The results support the recommendation that government and non-governmental agencies supply inputs to farmers consistently. Résumé On a examiné une méthode de technologie élémentaire pour empêcher les éléphants de détruire les fermes autour de la zone de conservation de Kakum afin d'évaluer son efficacité d'écarter les éléphants en maraude. Soixante fermes clôturées et soixante fermes non clôturées situées à la périphérie de la zone protégée ont été sélectionnées et chacune inspectée régulièrement pendant 12 mois. On a également interrogé cent vingt agriculteurs sur l'utilisation des clôtures enduites de graisse de poivre pour voir leur niveau de connaissance de l'efficacité de la méthode. Sur 75% des fermes clôturées, les éléphants se sont approchés de la clôture, mais ne l'ont jamais traversée; ils n'ont jamais visité 20% de ces fermes, mais ils ont tenté d'enfoncer ou d'entrer dans 5% d'entre elles. Parmi les fermes qui n'étaient pas du tout clôturées, les éléphants ont complètement maraudé 75% d'entre elles. La plupart des sondés (76,7%) avaient une bonne connaissance de la clôture de poivre. Leur principale source d'informations était le personnel de la Division de la faune et les vulgarisateurs agricoles (54,5%), alors que 31,1% en avaient entendu parler par d'autres agriculteurs. Seulement 14,4% ont obtenu leur connaissance en observant d'autres agriculteurs. En pratique, 26,7% ont dit qu'ils pratiquaient cette méthode effectivement, 22,2% partiellement et 51,1% ne l'avaient pas pratiqué du tout. Le coût et la difficulté d'acquisition du matériel étaient les principaux problèmes qui affectaient le taux d'adoption. Les résultats appuient la recommandation que le gouvernement et les organisations non gouvernementales doivent fournir des intrants aux agriculteurs de manière cohérente.
This study investigated species that are hunted in protected rainforest areas and the methods use... more This study investigated species that are hunted in protected rainforest areas and the methods used to hunt them, using data obtained by recording items in the possession of 17 poachers arrested in Kakum Conservation Area in Ghana over a period of 12 months. Twelve species were recorded among 69 total animals. Most were mammals, including primates. Shotguns and wire snares were the main hunting methods used. Primates must be given special protection and conservation attention, as they were found to be prominent among the animals poached.
Proximate analysis of three commonly consumed fruits (maize, hog plum and banana) was conducted t... more Proximate analysis of three commonly consumed fruits (maize, hog plum and banana) was conducted to determine food biochemistry of the Lowe's monkeys with specific objectives of determining the nutrient content and chemical composition of the food of Lowe's monkeys by 'Weende system of Analysis'. The results indicated the following order of nutrients: Nitrogen-Free-Extract, moisture, protein, fats, ash and fiber. The proportions of the nutrients contents of the three fruits did not differ from each other. This result suggests why frugivorous monkeys do not depend on fruits only but other supplements like insects and arthropods. Further analysis on other food types of the monkey has been recommended.
In this study, the richness and distribution of amphibians were investigated with the use of syst... more In this study, the richness and distribution of amphibians were investigated with the use of systematic sampling method to determine amphibian species richness and distribution along the three levels of elevation. It was found out that, while richness and distribution varied significantly along elevational gradient, the diversity of species did not differ along the three levels of elevation. Furthermore, Arthroleptis spp. and Phrynobatracus calcaratus were found to be the most common and successful species that can live on Mountain Afadjato. In relation to amphibian abundance a negative relationship emerged between amphibian's species and litter levels along the three levels of elevation. The conclusion was that the higher the litter level the lesser the number of amphibians, thus amphibians at mount Afadjato eschewed higher litter levels.
The current situation regarding fuel-wood consumption among rural households in Ghana was assesse... more The current situation regarding fuel-wood consumption among rural households in Ghana was assessed in relation to its determinant factors. Response from the 207 household heads randomly selected from six regions showed that majority rely on fuel-wood for cooking, heating of water, warming their houses, lighting and ironing. The uses of fuel-wood were found to be associated with some challenges including scent of smoke in food, issues with supply, inability to use fuel-wood during wet season and slow in cooking. The logistic regression model employed also explained that employment, income level and Liquefied Petroleum Gas usage significantly influenced the consumption of fuel-wood as energy among the respondents.
Introduction: The wildlife laws of Ghana alienated the rural communities from forests and materia... more Introduction: The wildlife laws of Ghana alienated the rural communities from forests and material well-being depended upon for their livelihood and this manifests itself in the progressive conflict between the park patrol staff and poachers from the fringes of the protected areas. Case description: The main aim of this study was to determine the impact of quantification of patrol efforts on indicators of illegal hunting activities that occur in rainforest protected areas, as a result of monitoring patrol operations and modifying the original plan. The specific objectives were to determine the optimal patrol efforts necessary to reduce illegal wildlife use to minimal; and the influence of the rainfall and seasonal activities on illegal wildlife use. Discussion and Evaluation: The results indicated that as the patrol efforts increased the encounter with illegal wildlife use also increased until a certain point that the encounter rates started decreasing. Neither rainfall nor seasonal activities influenced the illegal activities and the patrol efforts. The protection staff of rainforest protected areas would work effectively to bring down illegal wildlife off-take to the barest minimum if monitored, quantified and provide feedback. Conclusions: Illegal wildlife off-take can also be reduced by the protection staff if the original plans are made flexible to be adjusted. Recommendations for further studies have been made.
Tree composition, density and diversity were assessed within a monkey sanctuary that has been tem... more Tree composition, density and diversity were assessed within a monkey sanctuary that has been tempered with by human beings. The study took place in Buabeng-Fiema monkey Sanctuary in Ghana to document the vegetation structure of the non-human primate habitat. The habitat types were stratified into three classes; as natural forest, mixed forest and cultivated area and 20 plots of dimensions 20m x 25m were established in each of the habitat types. All trees ≥ 10 cm diameter at breast height were identified and measured. In the mean number of trees per hectare was 17.5 (S.D=5.5, N=20), 12.7 (S.D=3.6, N=20) and 7.4 (S.D=7.4, N=20) in the natural forest , mixed forest and cultivated area respectively. The diversity, relative density and relative dominance differed in all the three habitat types. Moreover, the number of trees reduced with increasing height and basal area in all the three habitat types. The variations in the three habitat type provide good resources that may be required by the primates for survival but can promote and deepen human-wildlife conflict.
ABSTRACT This paper provides an insight into the involvement of women in management and utilizati... more ABSTRACT This paper provides an insight into the involvement of women in management and utilization of natural mountain resources. The study depended on semi-structured guided interviews to obtain the required information from 100 women at Mount Afadjato in the Volta region of Ghana. The study revealed that most of the women interviewed contributed to the development of the resources to ensure their sustainable utilization. They harvested a variety of resources from the mountain ecosystem that vary from food, materials to amenities. Though men generally did not resist women harvesting the resources from the mountain, some of the men competed with the women by harvesting resources that were meant traditionally for women or assisted other women. The women mentioned some constraints in course of utilizing the resources such as difficulty in climbing, lack of environmental management personnel and public education. Massive environmental resource management education is recommended for the communities living in the mountainous area.
The original 24,900 km 2 distribution of the Cauca Guan Penelope perspicax is currently reduced t... more The original 24,900 km 2 distribution of the Cauca Guan Penelope perspicax is currently reduced to less than 750 km 2. In addition, forest within this range is fragmented and populations are isolated. We conducted surveys to determine the presence of the Cauca Guan at several locations within its present range, and mapped all known localities with guan records. Cauca Guan populations are confirmed to occur at only four sites, and the guan is absent from several localities with historic records. Some sites where the Cauca Guan is potentially present are highlighted. In particular, the possible existence of populations on the Pacific slope of the Andes requires confirmation, since a large habitat block is available. Population density estimates were obtained in two protected areas. In Yotoco Forest Reserve (559 ha) we estimated 8.6 guans km 22. At Otú n-Quimbaya Flora and Fauna Sanctuary (489 ha), guans fed seasonally on leaves of Chinese ash Fraxinus chinensis, an exotic tree planted in a revegetation programme. Seasonal densities in ash plantations were over 100 guans km 22 , whereas in mixed forest, mean density was 41.6 birds km 22. Ash has apparently become a key resource for this population. Although these two populations are within protected areas and have relatively high densities, they are small and isolated and require continued monitoring.
Vegetation assessment was carried out in a rainforest to document tree species composition and ve... more Vegetation assessment was carried out in a rainforest to document tree species composition and vegetation dynamics after logging operation. The study took place at Kakum Conservation Area, Ghana. Satellite images for logging period and after logging were acquired, processed and analysed. Trees in quadrats that were systematically distributed on transects were enumerated. Comparatively, the open canopy area had reduced while the closed canopy area had increased in size inside the forest. The farm areas at the peripheries had increased while those in the reserve area had been eradicated. In total 1,064 individual trees comprising 97 different species were enumerated. Tree species such as Carapa procera, Celtis mildbraedii, Diospyros sanzaminika, Aulacocalyx jasminflora and Dacryodes klaineana were relatively dense representing about 2% to 9% of the species present in the forest. The following species were examples of trees with higher relative dominance: Celtis mildbraedii (10%), Trichilia prieuriana (5%), Tabernaemontana africana (9%) and Panda oleosa (7%). The diversity of all trees was 3.9 (Shannon). The general conclusion is that the implementation of conservation rules has enhanced regeneration of many tree species. It is recommended that forest areas under convalescence must be put under strict conservation.
This paper evaluates the effect of altitude on tree species richness, diversity and tree abundanc... more This paper evaluates the effect of altitude on tree species richness, diversity and tree abundance to assess the responses of tree species to environmental changes. The highest mountain in Ghana, Afadjato, was categorized into three namely, lower elevation (200m-400m ASL), middle elevation (400m-600m ASL) and from 600m ASL and above the mountain as upper elevation. On five transects running from the bottom to the top of the mountain, two 20m by 20m squared plots were laid in each category on any 20m rise in altitude along the gradient of the mountain. All trees greater than 5cm in diameter at 1.3m above ground were identified and measured. The species richness, basal areas of trees and diversity differed in all the three levels of elevation. Tree abundance was found to decrease with increasing altitude. Recommendations have been made for future studies to establish the various relationships between the factors contributing to the variations along the elevation gradient.
Ghana journal of agricultural science, Dec 20, 2019
Human activities have led to the overlapping of resource requirements among themselves and animal... more Human activities have led to the overlapping of resource requirements among themselves and animal species and this often results in conflict. This research was conducted to determine the type of animal species involved in crop raiding, crops raided, the reasons for crop raiding events with its associated effects on the livelihoods of surrounding communities and the mitigation measures against it. 10 victims from eight communities were interviewed through a semi-structured guide. Though many animals were involved, the most troublesome and destructive were the following monkey species: Olive baboons (Papio anubis); Patas monkeys (Erythrocebus patas); and Green monkeys (Cercocerbus sabaeus). These monkeys raiding events were found to be based on the palatability of crops and the most adopted methods used in deterring them were shouting and trapping. Monkeys were found to raid crops at the various farms in the communities for diverse reasons and recommendations for peaceful coexistence of humans have been made.
In order to understand the feeding behavior of olive colobus, Procolobus verus in southern Benin ... more In order to understand the feeding behavior of olive colobus, Procolobus verus in southern Benin (West Africa), a study on food ecology and diet of this species was conducted in two different habitats. The experiment was designed as Ad libitum sampling procedure was conducted with four unhabituated groups of olive colobus living in continuous forest and forest fragments, indicated that, this monkey was fed on foliage in both forest. However, leaves are the most important food in continuous forest compared with forest fragments but fruits, the least important in continuous forest. Results also showed that olive colobus was fed on 37parts of 25 plants species in forest fragments, and 42 parts of 32 plants species in continuous forest. Specific richness for both forests was 47 species, Sorensen similary index was 18% and 10 species were commonly occurred in two forests : Albizia zygia , Cleistopholis patens , Cynometra megalophylla , Leucaniodiscus cupanioides , Pauridiantha hirtella ...
Both the white-thighed colobus (Colobus vellerosus) and the white-naped mangabey (Cercocebus lunu... more Both the white-thighed colobus (Colobus vellerosus) and the white-naped mangabey (Cercocebus lunulatus) have been rapidly experiencing local extinctions in forests throughout their distribution ranges. Historically both species had been widely distributed in West Africa (Grubb 1998), but they have been extirpated from almost all protected areas where they used to be common
International journal of natural resource ecology and management, Oct 13, 2016
Field survey was conducted in ten farms in Northern Region from December 2014 to April 2015 to co... more Field survey was conducted in ten farms in Northern Region from December 2014 to April 2015 to collect, identify and access the insects distribution on the cashew farms close to natural forest and agricultural farm land, during the flowering and the fruiting periods of cashew. The sample farms were divided into four plots measuring 20 m x 25 m. Insects found on the cashew plants during the flowering and fruiting periods were identified, counted and unidentified insects were killed in killing jars and preserved in 70% alcohol for further identification. The following were the insects encountered in both farms during the flowering period:
Traditionally, botanic gardens have been set aside to conserve mainly trees, but it has additiona... more Traditionally, botanic gardens have been set aside to conserve mainly trees, but it has additional contributions to harbor birds and other faunal species. Conservationist have neglected the animal component of the botanic gardens, it is against this background that this study sought to investigate into the bird species composition, abundance, and their distribution in the Aburi Botanical Garden, Ghana. The garden was stratified into Botanic Reserve (closed forest) and Cultivated Area (open forest), and a total five transects were distributed in each area. Bird census was carried out along these transect between the hours of 6am to 10am and 4pm to 6pm each day for three days The Botanic Reserve constituted more species with fewer individuals whereas the Cultivated Area had more individuals with fewer species. Food and light penetration were the main determining factors in the distribution and abundance of birds in the Botanic Gardens. The distribution of birds and their abundance were suspected to be influenced by the habitat type and the kind of resources it avails.The bird species dominant in the area are generalist species with only a small fraction being specialist species. It is therefore recommended that policies of the Botanic Gardens should include the protection of birds and other faunal species because of their interdependent relationship.
Accurate descriptions of long term chronological changes in rainforest ecosystems following both ... more Accurate descriptions of long term chronological changes in rainforest ecosystems following both natural and anthropogenic disturbances can increase our understanding of how these systems respond to various disturbances (Sheil, 2001). The concept of 'direct regeneration' after disturbance to ecosystems (Boucher, 1990; Vandermeer et al., 1990; Yih et al., 1991), in contrast to classical models of succession, suggests that those species dominant in the first years after the disturbance will be the same as the species which were dominant before the disturbance. The first notions of sustainable tropical forest management were directed towards maintaining the timber yields of valuable timber species. This led to the establishment of the first silvicultural research plots in several countries with tropical rainforests by the beginning of the twentieth century (Lamprecht, 1989; Dawkins and Philip, 1998; Bertauld and Kadir, 1998; Chazdon and Whitmore, 2002). The research focused mainly on identifying means to enhance the growth of commercial tree species while suppressing the unmerchantable species (Lamprecht 1989, Dawkins and Philip 1998). With increasing environmental awareness, forest managers came to understand that there are many other valuable services provided by forests in addition to timber production that must also be taken into consideration. Climate change has been embraced and measures are being taken to adapt in all aspects of its consequences.
A low-tech method for preventing elephants from destroying farms around Kakum Conservation Area i... more A low-tech method for preventing elephants from destroying farms around Kakum Conservation Area in Ghana was assessed to evaluate its efficacy in warding off marauding elephants. Sixty fenced and 60 unfenced farms located at the peripheries of the protected area were selected and each inspected regularly for 12 months. One hundred twenty farmers were interviewed on the use of the pepper-grease fence to determine their level of knowledge of the efficacy of the method. In 75% of the fenced farms, elephants came close to the fence but never crossed it; they never visited 20% of these farms and only 5% attempted to break through or enter. Of the farms that were not fenced at all, elephants raided 75% completely. Most of the respondents (76.7%) had good knowledge of the pepper fence. Their major sources of information were the staff of the Wildlife Division and agricultural extension agents (54.5%); 31.1% had heard about it from other farmers. Only 14.4% got their knowledge from observing other farmers. In practice, 26.7% said they used it effectively, 22.2% partially, and 51.1% did not practise the method at all. Cost and difficulty of acquiring materials were the main issues affecting lack of adoption. The results support the recommendation that government and non-governmental agencies supply inputs to farmers consistently. Résumé On a examiné une méthode de technologie élémentaire pour empêcher les éléphants de détruire les fermes autour de la zone de conservation de Kakum afin d'évaluer son efficacité d'écarter les éléphants en maraude. Soixante fermes clôturées et soixante fermes non clôturées situées à la périphérie de la zone protégée ont été sélectionnées et chacune inspectée régulièrement pendant 12 mois. On a également interrogé cent vingt agriculteurs sur l'utilisation des clôtures enduites de graisse de poivre pour voir leur niveau de connaissance de l'efficacité de la méthode. Sur 75% des fermes clôturées, les éléphants se sont approchés de la clôture, mais ne l'ont jamais traversée; ils n'ont jamais visité 20% de ces fermes, mais ils ont tenté d'enfoncer ou d'entrer dans 5% d'entre elles. Parmi les fermes qui n'étaient pas du tout clôturées, les éléphants ont complètement maraudé 75% d'entre elles. La plupart des sondés (76,7%) avaient une bonne connaissance de la clôture de poivre. Leur principale source d'informations était le personnel de la Division de la faune et les vulgarisateurs agricoles (54,5%), alors que 31,1% en avaient entendu parler par d'autres agriculteurs. Seulement 14,4% ont obtenu leur connaissance en observant d'autres agriculteurs. En pratique, 26,7% ont dit qu'ils pratiquaient cette méthode effectivement, 22,2% partiellement et 51,1% ne l'avaient pas pratiqué du tout. Le coût et la difficulté d'acquisition du matériel étaient les principaux problèmes qui affectaient le taux d'adoption. Les résultats appuient la recommandation que le gouvernement et les organisations non gouvernementales doivent fournir des intrants aux agriculteurs de manière cohérente.
This study investigated species that are hunted in protected rainforest areas and the methods use... more This study investigated species that are hunted in protected rainforest areas and the methods used to hunt them, using data obtained by recording items in the possession of 17 poachers arrested in Kakum Conservation Area in Ghana over a period of 12 months. Twelve species were recorded among 69 total animals. Most were mammals, including primates. Shotguns and wire snares were the main hunting methods used. Primates must be given special protection and conservation attention, as they were found to be prominent among the animals poached.
Proximate analysis of three commonly consumed fruits (maize, hog plum and banana) was conducted t... more Proximate analysis of three commonly consumed fruits (maize, hog plum and banana) was conducted to determine food biochemistry of the Lowe's monkeys with specific objectives of determining the nutrient content and chemical composition of the food of Lowe's monkeys by 'Weende system of Analysis'. The results indicated the following order of nutrients: Nitrogen-Free-Extract, moisture, protein, fats, ash and fiber. The proportions of the nutrients contents of the three fruits did not differ from each other. This result suggests why frugivorous monkeys do not depend on fruits only but other supplements like insects and arthropods. Further analysis on other food types of the monkey has been recommended.
In this study, the richness and distribution of amphibians were investigated with the use of syst... more In this study, the richness and distribution of amphibians were investigated with the use of systematic sampling method to determine amphibian species richness and distribution along the three levels of elevation. It was found out that, while richness and distribution varied significantly along elevational gradient, the diversity of species did not differ along the three levels of elevation. Furthermore, Arthroleptis spp. and Phrynobatracus calcaratus were found to be the most common and successful species that can live on Mountain Afadjato. In relation to amphibian abundance a negative relationship emerged between amphibian's species and litter levels along the three levels of elevation. The conclusion was that the higher the litter level the lesser the number of amphibians, thus amphibians at mount Afadjato eschewed higher litter levels.
The current situation regarding fuel-wood consumption among rural households in Ghana was assesse... more The current situation regarding fuel-wood consumption among rural households in Ghana was assessed in relation to its determinant factors. Response from the 207 household heads randomly selected from six regions showed that majority rely on fuel-wood for cooking, heating of water, warming their houses, lighting and ironing. The uses of fuel-wood were found to be associated with some challenges including scent of smoke in food, issues with supply, inability to use fuel-wood during wet season and slow in cooking. The logistic regression model employed also explained that employment, income level and Liquefied Petroleum Gas usage significantly influenced the consumption of fuel-wood as energy among the respondents.
Introduction: The wildlife laws of Ghana alienated the rural communities from forests and materia... more Introduction: The wildlife laws of Ghana alienated the rural communities from forests and material well-being depended upon for their livelihood and this manifests itself in the progressive conflict between the park patrol staff and poachers from the fringes of the protected areas. Case description: The main aim of this study was to determine the impact of quantification of patrol efforts on indicators of illegal hunting activities that occur in rainforest protected areas, as a result of monitoring patrol operations and modifying the original plan. The specific objectives were to determine the optimal patrol efforts necessary to reduce illegal wildlife use to minimal; and the influence of the rainfall and seasonal activities on illegal wildlife use. Discussion and Evaluation: The results indicated that as the patrol efforts increased the encounter with illegal wildlife use also increased until a certain point that the encounter rates started decreasing. Neither rainfall nor seasonal activities influenced the illegal activities and the patrol efforts. The protection staff of rainforest protected areas would work effectively to bring down illegal wildlife off-take to the barest minimum if monitored, quantified and provide feedback. Conclusions: Illegal wildlife off-take can also be reduced by the protection staff if the original plans are made flexible to be adjusted. Recommendations for further studies have been made.
Tree composition, density and diversity were assessed within a monkey sanctuary that has been tem... more Tree composition, density and diversity were assessed within a monkey sanctuary that has been tempered with by human beings. The study took place in Buabeng-Fiema monkey Sanctuary in Ghana to document the vegetation structure of the non-human primate habitat. The habitat types were stratified into three classes; as natural forest, mixed forest and cultivated area and 20 plots of dimensions 20m x 25m were established in each of the habitat types. All trees ≥ 10 cm diameter at breast height were identified and measured. In the mean number of trees per hectare was 17.5 (S.D=5.5, N=20), 12.7 (S.D=3.6, N=20) and 7.4 (S.D=7.4, N=20) in the natural forest , mixed forest and cultivated area respectively. The diversity, relative density and relative dominance differed in all the three habitat types. Moreover, the number of trees reduced with increasing height and basal area in all the three habitat types. The variations in the three habitat type provide good resources that may be required by the primates for survival but can promote and deepen human-wildlife conflict.
ABSTRACT This paper provides an insight into the involvement of women in management and utilizati... more ABSTRACT This paper provides an insight into the involvement of women in management and utilization of natural mountain resources. The study depended on semi-structured guided interviews to obtain the required information from 100 women at Mount Afadjato in the Volta region of Ghana. The study revealed that most of the women interviewed contributed to the development of the resources to ensure their sustainable utilization. They harvested a variety of resources from the mountain ecosystem that vary from food, materials to amenities. Though men generally did not resist women harvesting the resources from the mountain, some of the men competed with the women by harvesting resources that were meant traditionally for women or assisted other women. The women mentioned some constraints in course of utilizing the resources such as difficulty in climbing, lack of environmental management personnel and public education. Massive environmental resource management education is recommended for the communities living in the mountainous area.
The original 24,900 km 2 distribution of the Cauca Guan Penelope perspicax is currently reduced t... more The original 24,900 km 2 distribution of the Cauca Guan Penelope perspicax is currently reduced to less than 750 km 2. In addition, forest within this range is fragmented and populations are isolated. We conducted surveys to determine the presence of the Cauca Guan at several locations within its present range, and mapped all known localities with guan records. Cauca Guan populations are confirmed to occur at only four sites, and the guan is absent from several localities with historic records. Some sites where the Cauca Guan is potentially present are highlighted. In particular, the possible existence of populations on the Pacific slope of the Andes requires confirmation, since a large habitat block is available. Population density estimates were obtained in two protected areas. In Yotoco Forest Reserve (559 ha) we estimated 8.6 guans km 22. At Otú n-Quimbaya Flora and Fauna Sanctuary (489 ha), guans fed seasonally on leaves of Chinese ash Fraxinus chinensis, an exotic tree planted in a revegetation programme. Seasonal densities in ash plantations were over 100 guans km 22 , whereas in mixed forest, mean density was 41.6 birds km 22. Ash has apparently become a key resource for this population. Although these two populations are within protected areas and have relatively high densities, they are small and isolated and require continued monitoring.
Vegetation assessment was carried out in a rainforest to document tree species composition and ve... more Vegetation assessment was carried out in a rainforest to document tree species composition and vegetation dynamics after logging operation. The study took place at Kakum Conservation Area, Ghana. Satellite images for logging period and after logging were acquired, processed and analysed. Trees in quadrats that were systematically distributed on transects were enumerated. Comparatively, the open canopy area had reduced while the closed canopy area had increased in size inside the forest. The farm areas at the peripheries had increased while those in the reserve area had been eradicated. In total 1,064 individual trees comprising 97 different species were enumerated. Tree species such as Carapa procera, Celtis mildbraedii, Diospyros sanzaminika, Aulacocalyx jasminflora and Dacryodes klaineana were relatively dense representing about 2% to 9% of the species present in the forest. The following species were examples of trees with higher relative dominance: Celtis mildbraedii (10%), Trichilia prieuriana (5%), Tabernaemontana africana (9%) and Panda oleosa (7%). The diversity of all trees was 3.9 (Shannon). The general conclusion is that the implementation of conservation rules has enhanced regeneration of many tree species. It is recommended that forest areas under convalescence must be put under strict conservation.
This paper evaluates the effect of altitude on tree species richness, diversity and tree abundanc... more This paper evaluates the effect of altitude on tree species richness, diversity and tree abundance to assess the responses of tree species to environmental changes. The highest mountain in Ghana, Afadjato, was categorized into three namely, lower elevation (200m-400m ASL), middle elevation (400m-600m ASL) and from 600m ASL and above the mountain as upper elevation. On five transects running from the bottom to the top of the mountain, two 20m by 20m squared plots were laid in each category on any 20m rise in altitude along the gradient of the mountain. All trees greater than 5cm in diameter at 1.3m above ground were identified and measured. The species richness, basal areas of trees and diversity differed in all the three levels of elevation. Tree abundance was found to decrease with increasing altitude. Recommendations have been made for future studies to establish the various relationships between the factors contributing to the variations along the elevation gradient.
Ghana journal of agricultural science, Dec 20, 2019
Human activities have led to the overlapping of resource requirements among themselves and animal... more Human activities have led to the overlapping of resource requirements among themselves and animal species and this often results in conflict. This research was conducted to determine the type of animal species involved in crop raiding, crops raided, the reasons for crop raiding events with its associated effects on the livelihoods of surrounding communities and the mitigation measures against it. 10 victims from eight communities were interviewed through a semi-structured guide. Though many animals were involved, the most troublesome and destructive were the following monkey species: Olive baboons (Papio anubis); Patas monkeys (Erythrocebus patas); and Green monkeys (Cercocerbus sabaeus). These monkeys raiding events were found to be based on the palatability of crops and the most adopted methods used in deterring them were shouting and trapping. Monkeys were found to raid crops at the various farms in the communities for diverse reasons and recommendations for peaceful coexistence of humans have been made.
In order to understand the feeding behavior of olive colobus, Procolobus verus in southern Benin ... more In order to understand the feeding behavior of olive colobus, Procolobus verus in southern Benin (West Africa), a study on food ecology and diet of this species was conducted in two different habitats. The experiment was designed as Ad libitum sampling procedure was conducted with four unhabituated groups of olive colobus living in continuous forest and forest fragments, indicated that, this monkey was fed on foliage in both forest. However, leaves are the most important food in continuous forest compared with forest fragments but fruits, the least important in continuous forest. Results also showed that olive colobus was fed on 37parts of 25 plants species in forest fragments, and 42 parts of 32 plants species in continuous forest. Specific richness for both forests was 47 species, Sorensen similary index was 18% and 10 species were commonly occurred in two forests : Albizia zygia , Cleistopholis patens , Cynometra megalophylla , Leucaniodiscus cupanioides , Pauridiantha hirtella ...
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Papers by Edward Wiafe