Preliminary biodiversity assessment (herpetofauna and mammals) of a coastal wetland in the Volta Region, Ghana

Abstract

Herpetofaunal and mammal species were surveyed in four contrasting habitats (grassland/thicket, agricultural/urban, freshwater ponds/ditches, and brackish lagoon) in a coastal wetland and lagoon (Keta) during June-July 1997 and May-June 1998, using direct observation, live-trapping, refuge searches, transect walks, and interviews. The survey recorded a total of 13 species of herpetofauna and seven species of mammal species. The most diverse herpetofaunal community was in grassland, with 11 herpetofaunal species, while the least diverse habitat was brackish lagoon, with three herpetofaunal species. An interview of the local inhabitants showed the presence of bushbucks (Tragelaphus scriptus) and grasscutters (Thryonomys swinderianus), which are common bushmeat species in Ghana. It is recommended that herpetofaunal conservation efforts in the area should focus on protection and monitoring of grassland/ thicket habitats and freshwater ponds, since mammalian species diversity of the area is already very low for a variety of reasons.

Ghana Journal of Science Vol. 45, 2005: 19-26