Wildlife Survey, Capture and Translocation of Key Wildlife Species at Ajenjua Bepo Forest Reserve

Project Team:
Bright Obeng Kankam, Caleb Ofori Boateng, Victor Kwame Agyeman Funding Agency: Newmont Golden Ridge Ltd

Background
Mining operations destroy forest habitats and negatively impact on wildlife (WRM, 2004).   First survey before the forest was cleared: a total of 22 amphibians species, 9 reptiles species (7 snakes and 2 tortoises), 79 species of birds and 12 species of mammals were confirmed to be present.

The survey team captured and translocated more some wild animals, mainly reptiles and amphibians to nearby forest reserves and national parks (Kankam et al., 2012).  An additional wildlife survey aimed at identifying species not recorded by previous efforts was recommended.

Goal
To mitigate the effect of NGRL mining operations on wildlife (especially, critical animal species) within the NGRL proposed mine site at ABFR during the forest clearance phase

Objectives

1. Document additional/new fauna species (if they are present) in the proposed NGRL mining area during the forest clearance phase.
2. Confirm the presence of (critically) endangered wildlife species in the area.
3. Capture and translocate wildlife species (especially, key wildlife species) during the forest clearance phase to release sites.