Atewa range forest
21-22 December 2021
The Atewa Forest, 95 km northeast of Accra, covers 725 km2. Situated between 230 and 845 metres above sea level, the reserve is a rare mountain forest ecosystem in West Africa that is home to over 650 plant species and many vulnerable and endangered species.
New species continue to be discovered, such as the Atewa dotted border(Mylothris atewa), a butterfly endemic to this forest. In 2021, a team of researchers observed Shelley's Eagle Owl, an owl that had not been seen for 150 years!
This reserve is now under extreme threat due to bauxite mining, which has started despite the battles carried out by the local communities and some environmental protection organisations.
A forest road runs through part of the forest and provides excellent views for birdswatching. We were able to see 25 new species but missed the two super target of this forest: the Nimba
Flycatcher and the Blue-moustached Bee-eater. The most striking thing from 9 am was the flight of thousands of butterflies.We could have stayed 2 weeks walking up and down this road just for the
observation and photography of butterflies, dragonflies and other microcosms.
Visited areas
1. Shai Hills and Kalakpa forest
4. Mole national park and Tango Hills
6. Ankasa Conservation Area and Accra botanic garden
