Farasuto Forest is a relict patch of what might best be described as ‘wet evergreen forest’ though the place is only really wet during the rains – broadly from June to October. “‘About a century ago most of the Gambia … was reported to be covered by dense and almost impenetrable forest even after large areas had been cleared for groundnut cultivation. At that time the forests were rich in wildlife … [and] habitat for a variety of large mammals which are nowadays rare (such as hippopotamus, waterbuck, roan) or extinct (such as buffalo, giraffe, elephant, lion etc.)” FAO Corporate Document Repository.
For those unfamiliar with true forest then ‘jungle’ might conjure up the right image; magnificent tall trees with buttress roots, darkness, heat, humidity, dense greenery and the inability to see more than a few metres down the track and often much less into the vegetation at your side. And silence but for strange sounds – songs, cries and calls emanating from things unseen even when you search for them. That is during the wet season – access is easier in the dry season.
Farasuto Forest is home to a variety of plant and animal life, including many species that are rare or endangered. The forest is also important for its role in the local ecosystem, providing a habitat for many species of birds, mammals, and reptiles. Farasuto Forest is a popular destination for tourists, who come to see the forest’s beautiful scenery and wildlife.
The forest is managed by the Farasuto Forest Community Nature Reserve, which is a non-profit organization that works to protect the forest and its wildlife. The reserve is funded by donations from individuals and organizations, and by tourism revenue. The reserve has a number of programs in place to protect the forest, including a reforestation program, a wildlife monitoring program, and a community outreach program.
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