Mole National Park

Mole National Park

The Mole National Park is the largest wildlife sanctuary in Ghana and is one of the country's seven national parks. The park is found within the savanna region of the country at an elevation of 50 meters on savanna and riparian ecosystems, with a steep escarpment that forms the southern border of the park. It is located in the northern part of Ghana and covers an area of about 4,577 square kilometers of relatively untouched savannah, with more than 10 mm of rain per year. The rivers Levi and Mole are ephemeral rivers that run through the park, and leave only drinking holes behind throughout the long dry season. The land of the park was established as a wildlife refuge in 1958. By 1971, the area's small human population had been relocated and the areas were designated as a national park. Since its original designation, the park has not seen much development as a tourist destination. The park is underfunded as a protected area, and there are both national and international worries about poaching and the park's sustainability, but the protection of important resident antelope species has improved since it was first established as a preserve. There are over 93 species of mammals in the park, including large mammals such as elephants, hippopotami, buffalos and warthogs. The territory is recognized as a primary African reserve for many species of antelope, and there are also several species of monkeys that reside in the park. Additionally, it is home to 33 species of reptiles and 344 species of birds.