You would think that after all this time, after all this modern technology and after the hype about global warming and conserving the environment, that all forests have been explored, all rock have been turned and all species identified, if not explored to a certain degree. So it is surprising to find out that scientists are still finding new and undiscovered species in the tropical forests of Western Africa. An expedition to Ghana’s Atewa Range Forest Reserve by the Conservation International’s Rapid Assessment Program (RAP) was able to discover new and unidentified, but sadly threatened species of wildlife.

Atewa is touted to be the crown jewel of Ghana because it hosts one of the richest ecosystems in Western Africa. The researchers were excited to embark on such an expedition, not knowing what they would find. They were not disappointed.

The Conservation International’s Rapid Assessment Program (RAP) discovered an frog species, the Conraua derooi, which is on the critically endangered list. Also on the list and also found in Atewa and nowhere else in the world, is the butterfly Mylothris atewa. Pictures of this butterfly during this expedition are the first photos ever produced. They also discovered a new species of spider tick, whose lineage, when observed under powerful binocular zoom stereomicroscopes, is believed to be traced back to the dinosaur age. Researchers were fascinated to find that this type of tick, which looks half spider and half crab, something which cannot be visualized without the binocular zoom stereomicroscopes, have males that have their reproductive organs on their legs. The Atewa also hosts the highest diversity of katylids, which are cousins to the grasshopper. The researchers examined each one they came across under binocular zoom stereomicroscopes and discovered eight new species to be introduced into the world of science. They also discovered seventeen rare species of butterflies, including the awesome Papilio antimachus, who is believed to have the widest wingspan out of all the butterflies in the world.

Let’s not forget the mammals, and yes, the researchers found some too. Those monkey species listed on the endangered species list, the Colobus vellerosus and the Procolobus verus, among 10 other species, were seen flourishing in Atewa.

Other significant findings were 155 species of birds, six of whom are of global conservation concern. There were 19 fish species that were potentially valuable in the aquarium trade and are quite rare in West Africa. Last but not the least, the Cyathea manniana, the only tree fern species that is found in Ghana.

These findings are important in the conservation of tropical rainforests not only in Africa but all over the world. The RAP is motivated to put a stop to illegal timber harvesting and illegal mining, activities that will potentially harm the rare and exquisite flora and fauna of our rainforests. The RAP also provides key information to governments about the importance of biodiversity and how to balance the development of communities without harming the natural ecosystems. They recommend that the Atewa is upgraded to a National Park status in order to protect and conserve the different species already living there. Here is a link to the article