Abuko Nature Reserve
Abuko nature reserve is one of The Gambia's gallery forests (a narrow strip of forest along a river). The ecosystem is like rainforest, evergreen and with closed canopy over 30 metres high, except it relies on surface water (from a high water table or a source of freshwater) for moisture, rather than rain. But as it is the rainy season at the moment, some rain gets trapped in the leaves. I enjoyed watching these drops of water fall, which for my neck was a bit like watching a tennis match at 90 degrees in terms of temprature and location!
The park has a high concentration and diverse range of savannah mammals, invertebrates and of course (for The Gambia), birds. But there were not many animals visible when we went, probably because more of the land is submerged and the grass grows to almost 2m during the rains. What we did get though were ants in our pants! We inadvertedly disturbed a swarm who made sure we were thoroughly bitten in return.
Monitor lizard tracks
Parrot
The park has a high concentration and diverse range of savannah mammals, invertebrates and of course (for The Gambia), birds. But there were not many animals visible when we went, probably because more of the land is submerged and the grass grows to almost 2m during the rains. What we did get though were ants in our pants! We inadvertedly disturbed a swarm who made sure we were thoroughly bitten in return.
Monitor lizard tracks
Parrot
Look at the shape of this insect. Doesn't it look like The Gambia? And the colours are suitably vivid. I've got a shot of a tubab version too :)
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