Biodiversity: Endangered Monkey Species Found in Atiwa Forest

Scientists from A Rocha International, have discovered Cercocebus lunulatus, a near-extinct monkey species in the Atiwa Forest Reserve located in the Eastern Region.

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature(IUCN), the endangered species is known to have inhabited Ghana, eastern Cote d’Ivoire and Southern Burkina Faso. Animal species are classified as endangered when the probability that a known species of an organism will go extinct is high.

This classification label (EN) in conservation is the second most severe conservation status after Critically Endangered(CR). Thanks to an infrared camera trap, the white-collared mangabey was discovered few days ago.

The Cercocerbus lunulatus, also known as the “Old World Monkeys” have dark skin and white eyelids that match the facial skin and crests of hair on top of their head. Weighing close to 11 kilograms, the mangabeys mostly feed on fruit, nuts and seeds.

The lead conservation scientist, Dr Jeremy Lindsell was dismayed at the human activities threatening the haven of biodiversity in Ghana. Biodiversity in the Atiwa Forest is troubled mainly by hunting and mining activities. This discovery is a wakeup call to stakeholders who politicize scientific findings to make way for money making ventures in biologically diverse ecosystems.

Forest reserves provide several ecological services to mankind and the environment. They control rainfall patterns in a region and purify the air we breathe. Therefore, sacrificing a forest for activities that risks the lives of indigenes in the short and medium term is appalling.

The Atiwa Forest is home to many birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals. The general public is advised to report encroachment on these precious resource to the Forestry Commission and Ghana Wildlife Society.

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