Kakum National Park

Kakum National Park

Covering an area of 375 square kilometers, the Kakum National Park is located in the coastal area of the Central Region of Ghana. It was established as a reserve in 1931. Created as a reservation in 1931, it became a national park in 1992 after a first study of its bird life. This park is unique in that it was established on a community initiative rather than by Ghana's Department of Wildlife. It has a 350-meter-long canopy walkway that connects seven tree tops, and is one of only 3 places in Africa with access to the forest. Diana Monkey, Giant Bongo Antelope, Yellow-Backed Duiker and African Elephant are the most notable endangered species in the park. The park is also recognized as an Important Bird Area by Bird Life International, with the entire bird area covering the park territory. A census of birds recorded 266 species, including eight globally threatened species. One of the species of concern is the White-Breasted Guineafowl, and there are nine species of hornbill and the Grey Parrot. Kakum is also home to the densest population of Forest Elephants in Ghana as of 2012, and over 600 species of butterflies. The park is named after the Kakum River, which has its source within the park. The elevation of the park ranges from 135 to 250 meters. It is mainly composed of humid evergreen forest and seasonally dry semi-deciduous forest. The park is home to several rare animals, among which are Forest Buffalo, Demidoff's Galago, African Civet, Red River Hog, Giant Forest Hog, Long-Tailed Pangolin, White-Bellied Porcupine, Giant Pangolin, North African Crested Porcupine, Dwarf Crocodile, Monitor Lizard, Home's Hinged Tortoise, Serrated Tortoise and many more.