Difference between revisions of "Bia Conservation Area"
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[[West Africa]] > [[Ghana]] > [[Bia Conservation Area]] | [[West Africa]] > [[Ghana]] > [[Bia Conservation Area]] | ||
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= Summary = <!-- An overview of the site, with one sentence for each section. May include a site map --> | = Summary = <!-- An overview of the site, with one sentence for each section. May include a site map --> | ||
<div style="float: right"> | <div style="float: right"> | ||
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= Site characteristics = <!-- A paragraph summary of physical and geographic aspects of the site, and a table of key information --> | = Site characteristics = <!-- A paragraph summary of physical and geographic aspects of the site, and a table of key information --> | ||
[[File: chimpanzee_OforiAmanfo.jpg | 400px | thumb| right | Chimpanzee captured on a camera trap © Richard Ofori-Amanfo]] | [[File: chimpanzee_OforiAmanfo.jpg | 400px | thumb| right | Chimpanzee captured on a camera trap © Richard Ofori-Amanfo]] | ||
| − | The Bia Conservation Area (BCA) forms a 306km2 block in the moist evergreen and moist semi-deciduous forest zones of western Ghana, between the Bia River and the border with Côte d’Ivoire. Bia National Park and Bia Resource Reserve | + | The Bia Conservation Area (BCA) forms a 306km2 block in the moist evergreen and moist semi-deciduous forest zones of western Ghana, between the Bia River and the border with Côte d’Ivoire. BCA encompasses Bia National Park and Bia Resource Reserve; Bia National Park is 78 km2 and Bia Resource Reserve is 228 km2. The BCA was originally part of a larger (about 1500km2) ecosystem for forest elephants known as the Bia Group of Forest Reserves. However, the Bia elephant range has reduced over time due to clearance for cocoa cultivation, and is now an isolated population in an ecological island of forest with hard boundaries and no transitional zone to farmland (PADP 2001). It is planned for the entire area to be upgraded to national park status (Quansah P. K., pers. comm. 2023). |
'''Table 1. Basic site information for Bia Conservation Area''' | '''Table 1. Basic site information for Bia Conservation Area''' | ||
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= Threats = <!-- a text overview of threats, followed by a table of key threats --> | = Threats = <!-- a text overview of threats, followed by a table of key threats --> | ||
| − | A total of 3,721 illegal human signs which are threats to the subspecies were recorded in 2021 and provided an overall encounter rate of 5.69 human signs per a kilometre walk. Three major threats among these were cartridge case (45.9%), wire snare (29.4%) and illegal logging (14.2%) (Danquah, E., pers. comm. 2022). Poachers still poach in the park, and set snares that also affect chimpanzees. The chimpanzees also raid crops, resulting in conflicts between them and farmers. | + | A total of 3,721 illegal human signs which are threats to the subspecies were recorded in 2021 and provided an overall encounter rate of 5.69 human signs per a kilometre walk. Three major threats among these were cartridge case (45.9%), wire snare (29.4%) and illegal logging (14.2%) (Danquah, E., pers. comm. 2022). Poachers still poach in the park, and set snares that also affect chimpanzees. Although poaching is not very frequent, it is a main threat because of the site’s low chimpanzee population abundance The chimpanzees also raid crops, resulting in conflicts between them and farmers; crop raiding by elephants is much higher (Quansah P. K., pers. comm. 2023). |
'''Table 3. Threats to apes in Bia Conservation Area''' | '''Table 3. Threats to apes in Bia Conservation Area''' | ||
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|2. Agriculture & aquaculture | |2. Agriculture & aquaculture | ||
| + | |2.1 Annual & perennial non-timber crops | ||
| + | |Low | ||
| | | | ||
| − | | | + | |Habitat encroachment due to agriculture (Quansah P. K., pers. comm. 2023). |
| − | + | |Ongoing (2023) | |
| − | |||
| − | | | ||
|- | |- | ||
|3. Energy production & mining | |3. Energy production & mining | ||
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|- | |- | ||
|7. Natural system modifications | |7. Natural system modifications | ||
| + | |7.1 Fire & fire suppression | ||
| + | |Low | ||
| | | | ||
| − | | | + | |Fires mostly related to the capture of tree hyrax (Quansah P. K., pers. comm. 2023). |
| − | + | |Ongoing (2023) | |
| − | |||
| − | | | ||
|- | |- | ||
|8. Invasive & other problematic species, genes, diseases | |8. Invasive & other problematic species, genes, diseases | ||
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|Other | |Other | ||
| − | |Enrichment planting has been carried out with some different kinds of indigenous tree species in some degraded portions of the Resource Reserve. The entire Bia Conservation Area boundary has been planted with indigenous tree species to prevent encroachment into the Park (Ofori-Amanfo pers. obs. 2023). | + | |Enrichment planting has been carried out with some different kinds of indigenous tree species in some degraded portions of the Resource Reserve. The entire Bia Conservation Area boundary has been planted with indigenous tree species to prevent encroachment into the Park (Ofori-Amanfo pers. obs. 2023, Quansah P. K., pers. comm. 2023). |
| − | | | + | |2018-2022 |
|- | |- | ||
|12. Species Management | |12. Species Management | ||
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|- | |- | ||
|13. Livelihood; Economic & Other Incentives | |13. Livelihood; Economic & Other Incentives | ||
| − | | | + | |13.2. Provide non-monetary benefits to local communities for sustainably managing their forest and its wildlife (e.g. better education, infrastructure development) |
| − | | | + | |Tropenbus, UNESCO, and SNV support income generating activities such as beekeeping and honey processing, palm oil processing, soap production, snail farming, and mushroom cultivation (Quansah P. K., pers. comm. 2023). |
| − | | | + | |Ongoing (2023) |
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
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|Lack of logistical means | |Lack of logistical means | ||
|Danquah, E. pers. observation 2022 | |Danquah, E. pers. observation 2022 | ||
| + | |- | ||
| + | |Lack of funding | ||
| + | |Quansah P. K., pers. comm. 2023 | ||
| + | |- | ||
| + | |Lack of staff | ||
| + | |Quansah P. K., pers. comm. 2023 | ||
| + | |- | ||
| + | |Lack of infrastructure maintenance | ||
| + | |Quansah P. K., pers. comm. 2023 | ||
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
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<br> | <br> | ||
| − | '''Page completed by: '''Emmanuel Danquah | + | Cite as: Danquah, E., Ofori-Amanfo, R. & Papa Kwaw Quansah (2023) Bia Conservation Area. A.P.E.S. Wiki. Retrieved Month Day, Year, from https://wiki.iucnapesportal.org/index.php/Bia_Conservation_Area |
| + | '''Page completed by: '''Emmanuel Danquah, Richard Ofori-Amanfo & Papa Kwaw Quansah''' Date:''' 26/10/2023 <!-- If you don't want to add your name, you can add "A.P.E.S. Wiki team" --> | ||
Revision as of 12:51, 26 October 2023
West Africa > Ghana > Bia Conservation Area
Summary
- Western chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus) are present in the Bia Conservation Area.
- The population size is estimated at 34 weaned individuals.
- The chimpanzee population trend is decreasing.
- The site has a total size of 306 km².
- Illegal hunting is the main threat.
- Conservation activities have focused on anti-poaching patrols.
Site characteristics
The Bia Conservation Area (BCA) forms a 306km2 block in the moist evergreen and moist semi-deciduous forest zones of western Ghana, between the Bia River and the border with Côte d’Ivoire. BCA encompasses Bia National Park and Bia Resource Reserve; Bia National Park is 78 km2 and Bia Resource Reserve is 228 km2. The BCA was originally part of a larger (about 1500km2) ecosystem for forest elephants known as the Bia Group of Forest Reserves. However, the Bia elephant range has reduced over time due to clearance for cocoa cultivation, and is now an isolated population in an ecological island of forest with hard boundaries and no transitional zone to farmland (PADP 2001). It is planned for the entire area to be upgraded to national park status (Quansah P. K., pers. comm. 2023).
Table 1. Basic site information for Bia Conservation Area
| Area | 306 km² |
| Coordinates | 6.481132, -3.112847 |
| Designation | Conservation Area |
| Habitat types | Subtropical/tropical moist lowland forest |
IUCN habitat categories Site designations
Ape status
Wildlife patrol team encounters with chimpanzee signs indicate a decreasing trend (Danquah, E., pers. comm. 2022).
Table 2. Ape population estimates in Bia Conservation Area
| Species | Year | Abundance estimate (95% CI) | Density estimate [ind./ km²] (95% CI) | Encounter rate (nests/km) | Area | Method | Source | Comments | A.P.E.S. database ID |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pan troglodytes verus | 2019-2020 | 34 | Bia Conservation Area | Line transects (Distance) | Ofori-Amanfo, R. pers comm. 2023 | Estimate for weaned individuals |
Threats
A total of 3,721 illegal human signs which are threats to the subspecies were recorded in 2021 and provided an overall encounter rate of 5.69 human signs per a kilometre walk. Three major threats among these were cartridge case (45.9%), wire snare (29.4%) and illegal logging (14.2%) (Danquah, E., pers. comm. 2022). Poachers still poach in the park, and set snares that also affect chimpanzees. Although poaching is not very frequent, it is a main threat because of the site’s low chimpanzee population abundance The chimpanzees also raid crops, resulting in conflicts between them and farmers; crop raiding by elephants is much higher (Quansah P. K., pers. comm. 2023).
Table 3. Threats to apes in Bia Conservation Area
| Category | Specific threats | Threat level | Quantified severity | Description | Year of threat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Residential & commercial development | Unknown | ||||
| 2. Agriculture & aquaculture | 2.1 Annual & perennial non-timber crops | Low | Habitat encroachment due to agriculture (Quansah P. K., pers. comm. 2023). | Ongoing (2023) | |
| 3. Energy production & mining | Unknown | ||||
| 4. Transportation & service corridors | Unknown | ||||
| 5. Biological resource use | 5.1 Hunting & collecting terrestrial animals | Medium | 5.69 human signs/km | Cartridge cases and wire snares (Danquah, E. pers. comm. 2022). | Ongoing (2022) |
| 6. Human intrusion & disturbance | Unknown | ||||
| 7. Natural system modifications | 7.1 Fire & fire suppression | Low | Fires mostly related to the capture of tree hyrax (Quansah P. K., pers. comm. 2023). | Ongoing (2023) | |
| 8. Invasive & other problematic species, genes, diseases | Unknown | ||||
| 9. Pollution | Unknown | ||||
| 10. Geological Events | Absent | ||||
| 11. Climate change & severe weather | Unknown | ||||
| 12. Other options | Absent |
Conservation activities
Bia Conservation Area is a protected area so there are dedicated staff who patrol inside the Park to protect the resources including the chimpanzees. There is also a community outreach team that goes to the communities to educate them about the need to conserve natural resources including the chimpanzees. Ghana's Wildlife Division is responsible for maintaining law and order within the protected area.
Table 4. Conservation activities in Bia Conservation Area
| Category | Specific activity | Description | Year of activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Residential & commercial development | Not reported | ||
| 2. Agriculture & aquaculture | Not reported | ||
| 3. Energy production & mining | Not reported | ||
| 4. Transportation & service corridors | Not reported | ||
| 5. Biological resource use | 5.6. Conduct regular anti-poaching patrols | Wildlife patrol teams regularly conduct law enforcement duties within and around the protected area (Danquah, E., 2022). Anti-poaching operations (day, night and long patrols) (Ofori-Amanfo pers. obs. 2023). | Ongoing (2023) |
| 6. Human intrusion & disturbance | Not reported | ||
| 7. Natural system modifications | Not reported | ||
| 8. Invasive & other problematic species, genes, diseases | Not reported | ||
| 9. Pollution | Not reported | ||
| 10. Education & Awareness | 10.1. Educate local communities about primates and sustainable use | Conservation education and outreach programmes in communities around the Park (Ofori-Amanfo pers. obs. 2023). | Ongoing (2023) |
| 11. Habitat Protection | 11.2. Legally protect primate habitat | Ongoing (2023) | |
| Other | Enrichment planting has been carried out with some different kinds of indigenous tree species in some degraded portions of the Resource Reserve. The entire Bia Conservation Area boundary has been planted with indigenous tree species to prevent encroachment into the Park (Ofori-Amanfo pers. obs. 2023, Quansah P. K., pers. comm. 2023). | 2018-2022 | |
| 12. Species Management | Not reported | ||
| 13. Livelihood; Economic & Other Incentives | 13.2. Provide non-monetary benefits to local communities for sustainably managing their forest and its wildlife (e.g. better education, infrastructure development) | Tropenbus, UNESCO, and SNV support income generating activities such as beekeeping and honey processing, palm oil processing, soap production, snail farming, and mushroom cultivation (Quansah P. K., pers. comm. 2023). | Ongoing (2023) |
Conservation activities list (Junker et al. 2017)
Challenges
The Ghana Wildlife Division has few staff and resources to conduct effective and regular anti-poaching activities within and around the protected area. Inadequate staff, field equipment, vehicles etc. hinder effective protection of the chimpanzees.
Table 5. Challenges reported for Bia Conservation Area
| Challenge | Source |
|---|---|
| Lack of logistical means | Danquah, E. pers. observation 2022 |
| Lack of funding | Quansah P. K., pers. comm. 2023 |
| Lack of staff | Quansah P. K., pers. comm. 2023 |
| Lack of infrastructure maintenance | Quansah P. K., pers. comm. 2023 |
Research activities
Bia Conservation Area is part of the Pan African Programme: The Cultured Chimpanzee (PanAf).
Documented behaviours
Table 6. Ape behaviors reported for Bia Conservation Area
| Behavior | Source |
|---|---|
| Not reported |
External links
References
Cite as: Danquah, E., Ofori-Amanfo, R. & Papa Kwaw Quansah (2023) Bia Conservation Area. A.P.E.S. Wiki. Retrieved Month Day, Year, from https://wiki.iucnapesportal.org/index.php/Bia_Conservation_Area
Page completed by: Emmanuel Danquah, Richard Ofori-Amanfo & Papa Kwaw Quansah Date: 26/10/2023