Ghanian forests hiding new species by Zuzana Moravcova

As scientists explored one of the largest remaining blocks of tropical forest in Western Africa, Atewa Range Forest Reserve, various scientically interesting findings have been made. Among critically endangered frogs, rare species of butterflies known for the widest wingspan in the world and fish that are potentionally highly valuable in the aquarium trade, a strange new species of spider tick was found. Its lineage is as old as the dinosaurs, it looks like a cross between a spider and a crab and, which is very unusual, males have their reproductive organs on their legs. From this group only 57 other species are known throughout the world, scientists consider them exiguous. This globally important forest reserve is not only beautiful unique reservation of the rarest species. Besides having a significant intact forest ecosystem, it also serves as an essential source of water for local villages and for Accra.However, not only the last living inhabitants of the forest are in danger. In addition to illegal timber harvesting and bushmeat hunting, mining exploration activities may cause a future threat, as the reserve contains gold and bauxite deposits.Leeanne Alonso, a Conservation International senior scientist heading the RAP program, claimed "This is an SOS to create with local communities and other stakeholders viable economic development options that also protect Atewa's valuable natural resources."Scientists called for the government to upgrade the area's protection status to a National Park, create a buffer zone around the park and develop a management plan including conversation measures and economic development strategies.

by Zuzana Moravcova for PocketNews (http://pocketnews.tv)

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Edited by Zuzana Tylkova