West African Manatee Conservation
This project aims to significantly improve the conservation status of the West African manatee (Trichechus senegalensis) at Volta Lake in Ghana over a 3-year period through research and reduction of hunting.
This species is the least understood and probably most endangered of all extant Sirenians, and a unique opportunity exists to improve knowledge of its seasonal distribution, ecology and response to human impacts. This should lead to better management and conservation prospects for the species across its range. The project will increase awareness of, and reduce, human-manatee conflict in shoreline fishing communities, and enhance local, national and sub-regional capacity to protect this species. The West African manatee will be incorporated in the development of community-based ecotourism efforts at Lake Volta, offering economic and social benefits to the local community while simultaneously meeting conservation objectives.
Overall Video
The Participants View
The Research Staff