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Hunting West Africa

 

UNIQUE SPECIES

For an online field guide:  http://www.gisbau.uniroma1.it/amd/homespec.html

Rare and endangered species of West Africa

Endemic Species

·         Pygmy hippopotamus

·         Zebra duiker

·         White-naped mangabey

·         Diana monkey

·         Cross River gorilla

·         Nigerian chimpanzee

·         White-breasted guinea fowl

·         Viviparous toad

Non-endemic but endangered species

·         Forest elephant

·         Western chimpanzee

·         Drill

 

http://www.animalinfo.org/species/artiperi/gazedama.htm
Dama Gazelle, Addra

http://www.animalinfo.org/species/primate/papileuc.htm
Drill

http://www.animalinfo.org/species/primate/gorigori.htm
Cross River Gorilla

http://www.animalinfo.org/species/primate/cercpreu.htm
Preuss's Monkey

http://www.animalinfo.org/species/primate/cerceryt.htm
Nigerian White Throated Monkey

http://www.animalinfo.org/species/primate/cercscla.htm
Sclater's Guenon

http://www.animalinfo.org/species/tricsene.htm
West African Manatee

http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/hyemoschus/h._aquaticus$narrative.html
Water Chevrotain

Western Klipspringer 

Klipspringer distribution is of special biogeographic interest because this is the only West African population of klipspringer. With the exception of some small, isolated populations in Central African Republic (East 1999), the Nigerian klipspringers are separated by about 3,000 km from the nearest East African population, and much of that interlying habitat is not suitable for them, as they exclusively inhabit rocky outcrops and inselbergs. Now one of the rarest savanna antelopes in Nigeria, klipspringer were at one point found in Bauchi, Bornu and Zaria provinces, and were widespread on the Bauchi Plateau (Happold 1987). Now it they can only be found in scattered areas on the Jos Plateau.

Whales and dolphins
Some years ago whale sightings of Beninese fishermen in the coastal waters initiated the idea to organise a scientific expedition on whales. The first expedition took place in September 2000 and turned out to be very successful. For the first time the incidence of in the Beninese coastal waters could be scientifically confirmed. Since then another four expeditions have been conducted, resulting, among others, in the identification of other cetaceans.

Because the whales and dolphins are close to the coast, the tourism potential turns out to be high. A private whale watching initiative in neighbouring Togo proves that a small-scale initiative like this can be successful. The project has been able to link up with whale research in neighbouring countries within the framework of the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS). Future activities foresee in a close monitoring of this magnificent marine mammal and other cetaceans, as well as in the set up of a whale watch facility for tourists in Benin

West African Manatee- http://www.animalinfo.org/species/tricsene.htm
This is an aquatic mammal that can be found in rivers and coastal lagoons in Africa. The species is considered as endangered for populations in Africa have declined rapidly over the last decades. The main threats to the manatee are poaching and disappearance of its natural habitat. Pollution and incidental by-catch in fishing nets are also reported as problems.

In Benin, the manatee is protected by law. It is formally prohibited to capture and kill these animals. In spite of this law, the manatee population continues to decline, due to increasing pressure put on wetlands by human settlement and exploitation. SGPB supports a conservation initiative aimed at the maintenance of these vulnerable species and their habitat

Sea Turtles

All four species are threatened, mainly through use for food and oil. Collection of eggs, by-catch in fishing nets and long-lines, and infrastructural developments along the coast are also cause for concern. Through SGPB, support is given to applied research on sea turtles and community-based conservation efforts. In addition, a network is being promoted to enhance sub-regional co-operation. In this way, SGPB hopes to improve the conservation of the sea turtles in Benin and neighbouring countries.
http://www.animalinfo.org/country/nigeria.htm

For more information on Ecoregions and the Species associated go to:  World Wildlife Fund: Detailed Information on Ecoregions in Africa (i.e. Lake Chad flooded savanna, Cameroonian Highlands forests)

http://www.worldwildlife.org/wildworld/profiles/terrestrial_at.html

also check UNEP and WCMC website:  http://www.unep-wcmc.org/index.html?http://valhalla.unep-wcmc.org/isdb/country.cfm?Country=<ISO2~main