21 Oct 2013 East Akyem, Ghana, Africa Amphibians
Mitigating Biodiversity Extinctions in Ghana: The Case of Hyperolius bobirensis
Imminent Actions for the Conservation of the Endangered and Endemic Bobiri Reed Frog, Eastern Ghana II
Imminent Action for the Conservation of the Endangered and Endemic Bobiri Reed Frog, Eastern Ghana III
This project aims to give fighting chance of survival to the endemic and endangered Bobiri reed frog through research and action.
During our first Rufford Small grant project, we discovered a new population of the endemic and endangered Bobiri reed frog (Hyperolius bobirensis). This new population is believed to be the last known viable population of the species. Its current abundance is estimated to be about 120 individuals and restricted to a single pond in the Atewa Hills forest reserve. Unfortunately, the range of the species is under continuing serious encroachment from illegal small-scale mining and logging. This project aims to give a fighting chance of survival to this endemic frog. Specifically, we will adopt participatory approach to secure, protect and prevent further encroachment of the species core range. Through collaboration and participation of stakeholder groups, we intend to use locally adapted methods such as soccer for frogs, women in conservation campaign, inter-faith religious meetings, schools and campuses outreach programme among other things to raise targeted awareness on the species plight. Also we will train community volunteer groups and students in amphibian identification and monitoring protocols to produce yearly reliable data for the species monitoring.