Forestry tracks closed for the welfare of the Guinean Cock-of-the-rock

A forestry track closed off inside Coq-of-the-rock’s territories (© Alizée Ricardou)

The Kaw forest has been exploited for its timber for many years and this activity has lead to the construction of tracks throughout the whole area. Some of the tracks, no longer used for forestry purposes, are nevertheless used for other purposes, such as hunting and walking.

In conjunction with GEPOG, the ONF (Office National des Forêts) has identified three tracks for closure. The choice has been based on the following criteria:
- the track is no longer used for forestry purposes,
- there is the known presence of Cock-of-the-rock nesting sites in the immediate area (from information supplied by GEPOG),
- the track passes through areas that are actively used by the birds (data collected from telemetric studies).

This action will cut down on passing traffic and other disturbance, and thus help with the conservation of this emblematic species.

A forestry track closed with a trench (© Alizée Ricardou)

Alizée Ricardou
Project leader, Life+ Cap DOM