Abuko Nature Reserve

In the Gambia, south of the village of Abuko, is a nature reserve known as Abuko National Park. It is a well-liked tourist destination and the first officially recognized wildlife reserve in the nation. The Lamin Stream, which runs through the reserve, was fenced to create a water gathering site in 1916, marking the first time the area received some level of protection. The number of animals and plants in the forest increased as a result of the stream's confinement.

When wildlife inspector Eddie Brewer and his daughter Stella Marsden traveled to the region in 1967, they became aware of the significance of the forest and its fauna for conservation. Brewer asked the government to put the region under protection. The reserve was home to the Department of Wildlife, which is now known as the Gambia Department of Parks and Wildlife Management.

Vervet, red colobus, and patas monkeys are the three types of monkeys. In addition to these mammals, there are also antelope, squirrels, porcupines, African palm civets, mongooses, galagos, and many rodent species, including cane rats. The monitor lizard, Nile crocodile, dwarf crocodile, spitting cobra, black cobra, python, puff adder, and green mamba are some of the reptiles found in the park. The forest is home to more than 270 different bird species. Many moths and butterflies are also present. There are many enclosures at one end of the area that house needy animals, including one that houses a pack of hyenas.

Location: FC69+42M, Banjul, Gambia

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