Hassan Sesay
Other projects
8 Aug 2023
Implementation of Conservation Strategies for the Endemic and Critically Endangered Freshwater Crab, Afrithelphusa afzelii from Sierra Leone
Thanks to my pilot project funded by the first Rufford Small Grant, I rediscovered the critically endangered lost freshwater crab Afrithelphusa gerhildae, in a fragmented forest near Outamba-Kilimi National Park (OKNP), Sierra Leone. This species was known from a single locality in Kindia, Guinea, close to the capital city Conakry, and had never been collected there for over 67 years despite several research expeditions. The current project aims to collect data on: (1) the population structure and trends (sex ratio, size, distribution, and abundance), and on its reproductive biology (breeding season, recruitment, and fecundity); (2) how abiotic environmental factors (water quality indicators such as oxygen, dissolved ions, and pH) and biotic factors (predators, competition with other freshwater crab species, food sources) influence population dynamics; and (3) to raise awareness among local communities about the importance of protecting A. gerhildae through educational initiatives.
Afrithephusa gerhildae. ©Hassan Sesay.
This project will benefit the whole ecosystem in the target species' locality. Therefore, conservation measures will be designed with (a) local communities: since they live near the habitats of A. gerhildae, their input on sustainable practices and traditional knowledge is crucial; (b) local authorities: their involvement will ensure legal and administrative support for habitat protection and enforcement of regulations and by-laws; (c) conservation experts: biologists, ecologists, and conservation specialists will provide scientific input to ensure measures are robust and aligned with global best practices; and (d) NGOs and international conservation organisations: these groups can offer additional technical expertise and broader advocacy for the conservation of Outamba Forest.
Results from this project will be published in international journals and also presented at local and international conferences. I am working under the conservation team led by Dr. Mvogo Ndongo (Cameroon) and Prof. Neil Cumberlidge (USA). Both are active members of the IUCN Freshwater Crustacean Specialist Group, and Prof. Cumberlidge is the Chair. All the data collected in this project will allow them, in conjunction with myself, to carry out an IUCN Red List reassessment for A. gerhildae after the lifetime of this project. I will learn from them how to do this.