Manduar Community Forest

Coordinates:13.2709° N,-15.9509° O

Scenic view of Manduar Community Forest

Overview

Manduar Community Forest is a protected forest area located in the Gambia, West Africa. It is managed and maintained by the local community, serving as an important environmental and livelihood resource for the region.

Location

Manduar Community Forest is situated in the central region of the Gambia, approximately 50 kilometers from the capital city of Banjul. The forest covers an area of around 300 hectares (740 acres).

Ecosystem and Biodiversity

Manduar Community Forest is characterized by a diverse range of habitats, including dense forests, wetlands, and savannah woodlands. This diversity supports a rich array of flora and fauna, including:

Colobus monkey in Manduar Community Forest

• Primates

•Western Red Colobus Monkey

•Green Vervet Monkey

•Patas Monkey

Warthog in Manduar Community Forest

• Mammals

•Warthog

•Bushbuck

•Common Duiker

Exotic bird in Manduar Community Forest

• Birds

•Abyssinian Roller

•Yellow-billed Shrike

•African Harrier-Hawk

The forest is also home to a variety of reptiles, amphibians, and a diverse range of insects.

Community Management and Livelihoods

Manduar Community Forest is managed and maintained by the local community, who have a deep-rooted connection to the land and its resources. The community actively participates in the conservation and sustainable use of the forest, which provides:

•Fuel wood: The community relies on the forest for the collection of firewood and charcoal production.

•Non-timber forest products: Residents harvest various non-timber forest products, such as medicinal plants, fruits, and materials for traditional crafts.

•Ecotourism: The forest serves as a site for ecotourism activities, providing income and employment opportunities for the local community.

Community members working in Manduar Community Forest

Visitor Facilities and Activities

Manduar Community Forest offers limited visitor amenities and activities due to its community-based management approach. However, visitors can engage in the following:

•Guided Tours: The community offers guided tours, providing visitors with the opportunity to learn about the forest's ecology, management practices, and the local culture.

•Hiking Trails: Though not extensively developed, there are some hiking trails that allow visitors to explore the forest's diverse habitats.

Visitors on a guided tour in Manduar Community Forest

Conservation and Sustainability

Manduar Community Forest is managed by the local community with the support of the Gambia Department of Forestry. The community-based approach to conservation ensures the long-term sustainability of the forest resources and the livelihoods of the local residents.