Liberia’s national biodiversity strategy and action plan
Table 10: Conservation Priority Ratings of Liberian Primate Species
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- A = degree of threat 1-6, B = taxonomic uniqueness 1-3, C = association with other Threatened forms Source
- Table 11: Important Mountains in Liberia
- Source: Field Survey by LIMINCO, 2002
- Wetlands and Mangroves
- Table 12: Wetlands of Liberia
- Figure 9: Mangroves of the Mesurado Wetlands near Monrovia
- Figure 10: Wetlands with Water Hyacinth along Benson River near Buchanan City
Table 10: Conservation Priority Ratings of Liberian Primate Species
A = degree of threat 1-6, B = taxonomic uniqueness 1-3, C = association with other Threatened forms Source: Oates 1985 Mountain Ecosystems There is very limited and scanty data on mountain ecosystems in Liberia. The concept of conservation and sustainable use of mountain biological diversity is recent and has not been extensive. Except for the rapid assessment of Mount Nimba for the Tri-National Planning Meeting on Mount Nimba in January 2002, no assessment has been done specifically for the management of mountain ecosystems. The National Committee for the International Year of Mountains submitted a proposal to the FAO in 2003 for awareness and conservation of mountains in Liberia. Despite this, some of the mountains are known to possess mineral resources. Four of these mountains have been exploited for iron ore. They are Bong Range, Mount Nimba, Mano Mountain and Bomi Mountain. Table 11: Important Mountains in Liberia
Source: Field Survey by LIMINCO, 2002 Liberia’s Mountain Ecosystems contain outstanding resources, both biological and non-biological. There exist valuable plants and animal species, which are representatives of biodiversity species found in the tropical rainforest regions of the world. The fauna species include mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and insects. The flora species include high plants of the deciduous, semi-deciduous and savanna woodland species, riverine plant species, shrubs and herbs. Both indigenous plants and animals were in abundance about sixty years ago. Their status began to change for the worse in mountain communities when mining, shifting agriculture, commercial logging and uncontrolled burning intensified. Several valuable non-biological resources are also found in mountain communities, including iron ore, diamonds and gold. Thus far, only the first three of these minerals have claimed the interest of the mining industry in Liberia, with iron ore being the most intensively mined. Wetlands and Mangroves Wetlands are areas that are permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six (6) meters. They are transitional zones between terrestrial systems and open water systems, and are highly productive areas rich in flora and fauna. Their economic and ecological functions attract human activities that eventually impact on biodiversity. Liberia has a few wetlands that provide both subsistence and economic benefits to its many inhabitants. Like wetlands all over the world, they have become stressed by human induced activities. There are four (4) wetland types: Inland Riverine, Inland Swamp, Coastal and Coastal Lacustrine. Presently only eight (8) wetlands have been identified, three (3) of which have been proposed for conservation status. Table 12: Wetlands of Liberia
Kromah, F (2002, Wetlands in Liberia) Mangroves characterize the wetlands of Liberia and cover a small area along the coast, from Cape Mesurado to Cape Palmas, at the edges of lagoons, riverbanks, and river estuaries and in widespread areas of swamps. According to Gatter (1988), mangroves cover 0.5% of the land surface of Liberia, which is equivalent to a 500 km-wide belt extending along the total length of the coastline. 
Figure 9: Mangroves of the Mesurado Wetlands near Monrovia The most common mangrove species is Rhizophora racemosa, but six (6) other species occur in the country. Mature mangroves, reaching heights up to 30m were found along the lower Sehnkwehn and some neighboring rivers, where species such as Rhizophora harrisonii, Rhizophora mangle and Avicennia Africana occur together with impressive tracts of Pandanus. Except for few places in the central part of the country, primary mangrove forest has been replaced by secondary ones. Much of the mangrove destruction appears to be concentrated along the edges of creeks, and particularly more widespread around the larger towns and cities, such as Monrovia, Buchanan, Greenville, and Harper. Mangroves are degraded due to urban expansion, collection of firewood and construction of makeshift structures. 
Figure 10: Wetlands with Water Hyacinth along Benson River near Buchanan City The mangroves are vital coastal ecosystem; they provide habitat for fish, invertebrates and epiphytic plants; and are considered more efficient photo synthesizer than most plants. Besides, Mangrove forests provide: Spawning grounds for many fish species, crabs, shrimps, mollusks and other forms of sea life; Habitats for many endangered species of manatees, crocodiles, turtles, migratory birds; Flood regulation and protection from violent storms; Protection of shorelines from erosion; and Water recharge and water quality. Directory: doc -> world world -> Executive summary world -> Ministry of mines world -> Please provide the following details on the origin of this report world -> Country Study on Biodiversity of Azerbaijan Republic world -> United Kingdom and its Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies Third National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity world -> 5. 2 National Biodiversity Action Plan goal 1 world -> Total no of Botanic Gardens recorded in Honduras: 3 world -> Source: best, 2005a world -> Australia Third National Report 1 Download 1.61 Mb. Share with your friends:
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