The Gambia: Abuko Nature Reserve
Abuko Nature Reserve was first established in 1968 after the Englishman Eddie Brewer saw the need to conserve this small enclave of gallery forest. As early as 1916 the Lamin Stream flowing through the reserve was contained, so increasing the biodiversity . Today the reserve is still the first habitat visited by many birdwatchers but the wealth of other wildlife, including dragonflies, is also excellent. The ponds to the right of the path shortly after the entrance to the reserve and the first main lake below the bird hide are excellent sites. Across the opposite side of the main road from the reserve there are extensive rice paddies and vegetable plots. These hold numerous freshwater wells and a few larger ponds. All are good for dragonflies but respect should be shown to the hard working Gambian people by neither obstructing the narrow bunds or photographing the people working without their permission. The few species shown below were found during the dry season at the end of January and a visit in, or at the end of, the wet season could be more productive.
Typical Species:
Click the thumbnail next to a species to see an enlarged photograph in a lightbox, then click the ‘Discover’ link to access many more high quality photographs along with fascinating information…
Discover species from another location in The Gambia…