Biodiversity assessment (rodents and avifauna) of five forest reserves in the Brong-Ahafo Region, Ghana

Abstract

A faunal inventory of five forest reserves in the Brong-Ahafo Region was undertaken to determine the ecological status or levels of degradation of the reserves using birds and small mammals as bio-indicators. The methodology involved live-trapping of small mammals and recording bird species using ad hoc observations timed transect walks along trails and transects. Fifty individuals of nine species of rodents were recorded, with Mastomys erythroleucus (multimammate mouse) being the most abundant. Small mammal species diversity was highest (H’ = 1.88) and lowest (H’ = 0.98) in Tain II and Tain I forest reserves, respectively. The presence of some savanna species in some of the reserves indicated high levels of degradation. Fifty-four bird species, representing 22 families, were recorded, with 16 of the species being under national conservation protection. It is recommended that the reserves be zoned into smaller management areas to enable more efficient management, through initiation of reforestation programmes, anti-poaching patrols, research, and long-term monitoring. There is the need for intensive education of the local inhabitants on wildlife conservation awareness.