Dickarmien A. Deemie
The White-necked Picathartes (Picathartes gymnocephalus), a globally vulnerable bird species endemic to West Africa’s Upper Guinea Forests, faces increasing threats in Liberia due to habitat degradation, human disturbance, and limited ecological data. This project, based in the transboundary Greater Gola Landscape of Liberia, aims to safeguard the species by identifying new nesting sites and protecting existing colonies within the Gola Forest National Park (GFNP) and the Foya Proposed Protected Area (FPPA).
The initiative will employ scientific field surveys, GPS mapping, and colony monitoring to expand knowledge of the species’ distribution and nesting ecology. It will also engage forest-edge communities—such as Gbanju, Fornor, and Vanger—through conservation education, participatory training, and the formation of community-based monitoring teams. These efforts will build local capacity, foster stewardship, and reduce threats to Picathartes habitats.
The project’s main aims are:
• To increase knowledge of Picathartes distribution by surveying unsampled forest blocks and documenting new colonies.
• To ensure regular monitoring and protection of known nesting sites in GFNP, mitigating disturbance and encroachment.
• To enhance local conservation capacity through training of community ecoguards and distribution of educational materials.
• To promote community-led conservation by mobilising volunteers and raising awareness of the species’ ecological importance.
By generating baseline data, strengthening local engagement, and informing national and transboundary conservation strategies, the project will contribute to the long-term survival of the White-necked Picathartes and the preservation of Liberia’s rich forest biodiversity.