Bryophytes of Atewa Forest,Eastern Region,Ghana |
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Authors: | N G Hodgetts M K Essilfie A Adu-Gyamfi E Akom J Kumadoh J Opoku |
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Institution: | 1. 15 Earlish, Portree, Isle of Skye, UKnick1901@hotmail.co.uk;3. Department of Botany, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana;4. A Rocha Ghana, Kaneshie, Accra, Ghana |
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Abstract: | Atewa Forest is a biodiverse tropical forest in the Eastern Region of Ghana, highly threatened by illegal mining, farming and hunting activities, and by proposals for industrial-scale bauxite mining. Conservation bodies are active in trying to save the forest and promote its future as a national park. Very little is known about its bryophyte flora, and this short expedition was intended as a first step to remedy that situation. Survey work in March 2014 was targeted mainly at areas thought likely to be bryophyte-rich, notably swamp forest and upland evergreen forest. A total of 164 species was recorded, including about 58 new to Ghana and at least one new species. The importance of Atewa Forest for biodiversity in western Africa is reinforced. |
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Keywords: | Africa Conservation Ecology Inventory Liverworts Mosses Rainforest Survey |
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