- Department of Wildlife and Range Management,
Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources,
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST),
Kumasi - Ghana - (+233) 501347240, 244742385
- Renewable Natural Resources Management, Environmental Sustainability, Biodiversity Monitoring and Environmental Impact Assessments of Natural Resource-Based Projects, Biodiversity Monitoring, Environmental and Social Impact Assessments, Green Economies, and 6 moreEndangered Species Management, Protected areas governance, Conservation and Indigenous Peoples, Traditional Knowledge In Natural Resource Management, HCV Assessments, and Wildlife Biology and Managementedit
- Prof. Emmanuel Danquah is the Vice Dean, Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources and Head, Department of Wildlife and ... moreProf. Emmanuel Danquah is the Vice Dean, Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources and Head, Department of Wildlife and Range Management at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Ghana. He is the West African Regional Director of Optimal Development Consult, Member of the Board of Directors of Save the Frogs, Ghana and also a Technical Advisor to A Rocha, Ghana, which is part of a national network of 19 committed environmental NGOs that constitute A Rocha International. Having worked for several years in the NGO sector, Emmanuel’s academic background is interdisciplinary, with a combination of rich academic and research experience in the biodiversity sector. He has over 60 papers and technical reports to his credit.Emmanuel’s recent areas of research include climate change and environmental impact aseessments, endangered species managementedit
Research Interests:
The PREDICTS project—Projectng Responses of Ecological Diversity In Changing Terrestrial Systems (www.predicts.org.uk)—has collated from published studies a large, reasonably representatve database of comparable samples of biodiversity... more
The PREDICTS project—Projectng Responses of Ecological Diversity In Changing Terrestrial Systems (www.predicts.org.uk)—has collated from published studies a large, reasonably representatve database of comparable samples of biodiversity from multple sites that differ in the nature or intensity of human impacts relating to land use. We have used this evidence base to develop global and regional statistical models of how local biodiversity responds to these measures. We describe and make freely available this 2016 release of the database, containing more than 3.2 million records sampled at over 26,000 locatons and representng over 47,000 species. We outline how the database can help in answering a range of questions in ecology and conservaton biology. To our knowledge, this is the largest and most geographically and taxonomically representatve database of spatal comparisons of biodiversity that has been collated to date; it will be useful to researchers and
internatonal efforts wishing to model and understand the global status of biodiversity.
internatonal efforts wishing to model and understand the global status of biodiversity.
The Community Resources Management Area (CREMA) concept in Ghana is a Wildlife Division initiative that devolves sustainable user rights of natural resources to rural communities in an attempt to reconcile the sometimes conflicting goals... more
The Community Resources Management Area (CREMA) concept in Ghana is a Wildlife Division initiative that devolves sustainable user rights of natural resources to rural communities in an attempt to reconcile the sometimes conflicting goals of conserving biodiversity and enhancing local livelihoods. Perceived advantages of CREMAs have not been tested in Ghana. By using field data from 20 forest fragments; the study compared indices of four forest outcomes (area of forest, biodiversity conservation, carbon storage and livelihood contributions) between CREMAs and non-CREMAs in western Ghana. Results indicated that CREMAs are significantly more effective in their contributions to the forest outcomes. Using self governance (rule-making autonomy) as a distinctive institutional difference the results reflect the importance of decentralization of decision making. They reinforce the urgency to engage relevant mechanisms such as REDD, which provide incentives for community-based forest management, given that most deforestation occurs on community lands due to insecure tenure and weak property rights.
Research Interests:
An elephant survey was conducted in the Bia-Goaso Forest Block in western Ghana during the wet season month of November 2012 to determine the distribution of elephants and assess the human and ecological variables that affect them. One... more
An elephant survey was conducted in the Bia-Goaso Forest Block in western Ghana during the wet season month of November 2012 to determine the distribution of elephants and assess the human and ecological variables that affect them. One hundred and thirty 1-kilometre transects were systematically distributed in three strata (high, medium, and low density) based on elephant dung pile density recorded in an initial reconnaissance. Elephant activity was concentrated in southern and mid-Bia Conservation Area, the southern tip of Bia North Forest Reserve, and eastern Mpameso Forest Reserve towards the adjoining Bia Shelter belt, indicating a clumped distribution. Secondary forest, water availability, poaching activity, and proximity to roads and settlements explained a high proportion of variance in elephant distribution. Given that the Bia-Goaso Forest Block forms an important biogeographic corridor between Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire, more effort should be directed at mitigating the problems such as poaching activity, vehicular traffic, and impacts of settlements that hinder seasonal movements of forest elephants between western Ghana and eastern Cote d'Ivoire.
Research Interests:
Knowledge on faunal diversification in African rainforests remains scarce. We used phylogeography to assess (i) the role of Pleistocene climatic oscillations in the diversification of the African common pangolin (Manis tricuspis) and (ii)... more
Knowledge on faunal diversification in African rainforests remains scarce. We used phylogeography to assess (i) the role of Pleistocene climatic oscillations in the diversification of the African common pangolin (Manis tricuspis) and (ii) the utility of our multilocus approach for taxonomic delineation and trade tracing of this heavily poached species. We sequenced 101 individuals for two mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), two nuclear DNA and one Y-borne gene fragments (totalizing 2602 bp). We used a time-calibrated, Bayesian inference phylogenetic framework and conducted character-based, genetic and phylogenetic delineation of species hypotheses within African common pangolins. We identified six geographic lineages partitioned into western Africa, Ghana, the Dahomey Gap, western central Africa, Gabon and central Africa, all diverging during the Middle to Late Pleistocene. MtDNA (cytochrome b + control region) was the sole locus to provide diagnostic characters for each of the six lineages. Tree-based Bayesian delimitation methods using single-and multilocus approaches gave high support for 'species' level recognition of the six African common pangolin
Research Interests:
The growth and long-lived growth patterns observed in many Savanna shrubs may be advantageous for survival in harsh physical environment. This study was conducted to estimate the growth potential and biomass yield of Securinega virosa,... more
The growth and long-lived growth patterns observed in many Savanna shrubs may be advantageous for survival in harsh physical environment. This study was conducted to estimate the growth potential and biomass yield of Securinega virosa, Cajanus cajan, Stylosanthes mucronata and Tephrosia purpurea in the northern region of Ghana. A total of 16 experimental beds of size 4 x 4 m with 1 m spacing between beds were constructed. Observation after sowing was made daily to record emergence. Plant growth parameters were taken fortnightly for 13 weeks on four representative plants randomly selected from each species. The biomass production data were subjected to two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) assuming a complete randomised design. C. cajan had the highest germination of 75% observed from 3-5 days after planting, while S. virosa recorded the least germination of 63% observed from 5-8 days after planting. C. cajan and T. purpurea had the highest growth rate, while S. virosa showed very low growth rate. S. mucronata had the largest mean stem diameter, followed by C. cajan and T. purpurea and S. virosa being the smallest. Similarly, S. mucronata obtained the highest mean number of shoots followed by S. virosa, while T. purpurea had the least. Linear and positive relationships were observed among plant height, stem diameter and number of shoots of all the shrubs. No significant difference in mean total dry matter yield among the shrub species and among the different maturity stages was recorded. All the shrubs except S. virosa produced seeds. Livestock farmers are encouraged to adopt and integrate these shrubs in their farming system to provide adequate forage to boost animal production.
The dispersal ability of straw coloured fruit bats (Eidolon helvum), was investigated on the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) Campus in Sunyani from January 2013 to December 2014. A reconnaissance exercise was conducted... more
The dispersal ability of straw coloured fruit bats (Eidolon helvum), was investigated on the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) Campus in Sunyani from January 2013 to December 2014. A reconnaissance exercise was conducted in the UENR in order to stratify the campus into bat-occupied and unoccupied zones (strata) based on the presence or absence of roost trees occupied by bats. The Wildlife Sanctuary represented the main bat roost site (bat-occupied zone) whilst the rest of the campus constituted the unoccupied zone. Using 64 (4m x 4m) quadrats and 32 seed traps made from plastic sheets were set up randomly in the bat occupied areas. Seeds dispersed were collected on the seed traps and identified. The contribution of the dispersed seeds to the regeneration of the total plant population in the undergrowth wasestimated at 1.7%. Notable species which were dispersed by bats were Mallotus opposotifolius, (16.1%), Broussonetia papyrifera (10.6%), Ficus exasperate (6.6%), Solanum erianthum (6.2%) and Morus mesozygia (4.6%) of total seeds dispersed. These plants were found to have been introduced by E. helvum into the study area and are contributing to the ecological improvement by increasing biodiversity through regeneration.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Contact between human beings and animals on displays at zoos are unavoidable, allowing transmission of parasitic (diseases) zoonosis of all kinds from wild animals to man and domesticated animals and vice-versa. This study investigates... more
Contact between human beings and animals on displays at zoos are unavoidable, allowing transmission of parasitic (diseases) zoonosis of all kinds from wild animals to man and domesticated animals and vice-versa. This study investigates prevalence and management of endo-parasitic zoonoses in Kumasi zoo. Freshly voided faecal samples from animals at the zoo were collected with sterilized forceps and kept in sterilized plastic bags. Floatation method for worm egg count was used to count worm eggs. Nine endo-parasitic zoonoses were recorded during the study period with Tapeworm (Dipylidium caninum) recording the highest (37%) number of observation followed by Strongyl (Strongyloides fuelleboni) (25%) and Ascaris (Ascaris lumbricoides) (15%). Strongyl was however, the commonest zoonoses. Prevalence of endo-parasites was highest in primates (25%), followed by carnivores (21%), ungulates (14%) and at similar levels (13%) for reptiles, birds and rodents. Preventive measures against worm inf...
An investigation into the factors that influence crop raiding by forest elephants ( ) around the Kakum Conservation Area (KCA) was carried out during July 2001 to June 2002. The frequency and distribution of crop raiding was assessed by... more
An investigation into the factors that influence crop raiding by forest elephants ( ) around the Kakum Conservation Area (KCA) was carried out during July 2001 to June 2002. The frequency and distribution of crop raiding was assessed by analyzing crop damage report forms on all incursions by elephants into randomly selected sites around the KCA. The incidence of raids was then compared with environmental/natural and human variables for each month. Data on variables were collected through field measurements. There were 117 elephant crop damage incidents involving 58 farms belonging to 43 farmers. June was the peak month (2.4 raids /km ) of crop raiding activities whilst October experienced the least (0.1 raids /km ). Natural factors like fruit availability within KCA greatly reduced the risk of raids in nearby farms. However, at the farm level, the maturation period of maize presented the strongest risk. Also, environmental factors like rainfall, indirectly affected crop raids by pro...
The Ankasa and Bia Conservation Areas and the Goaso Forest Block form a significant portion of forest elephant range in western Ghana. This paper reviews historical and recent information on elephant population trends in western Ghana and... more
The Ankasa and Bia Conservation Areas and the Goaso Forest Block form a significant portion of forest elephant range in western Ghana. This paper reviews historical and recent information on elephant population trends in western Ghana and the factors associated with these trends. We used two methods: 1) monitoring trends in elephant populations using density estimates, and 2) tracking changes in elephant distribution and density due to poaching activity. Our results indicate that most elephant populations have declined in western Ghana, although a few seem to have persisted. Specifically, we recorded positive trends in two protected areas, Ankasa and Bia, where elephants seem to be recovering under good management practices, such as reduced hunting pressure and habitat management. The Goaso elephant populations have suffered major declines in both numbers and range. Currently, elephant range is confined to only a few of the reserves in the northern Goaso Forest Block. These declines...
A survey of buffaloes in the Kogyae Strict Nature Reserve, Ghana was conducted to assess their distribution in the dry season month of January 2013. Forty line transects were systematically distributed in the various vegetation types and... more
A survey of buffaloes in the Kogyae Strict Nature Reserve, Ghana was conducted to assess their distribution in the dry season month of January 2013. Forty line transects were systematically distributed in the various vegetation types and a team of four persons led by a compass man recorded direct sightings of buffaloes along the transects. Coordinates of all buffalo sightings were marked using a Global Positioning System and then digitized into a Geographic Information System to yield a buffalo distribution map. Regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between the distribution of buffaloes and hunting activity recorded on transects. Results indicated that buffaloes were confined to the northern section of Kogyae Strict Nature Reserve, which constituted an existing protected zone, whilst no record of buffaloes were made south of Kogyae in the recovery and special use zones. Regression analysis indicated that hunting activity may be the most important variable influenci...
A comparative study of the species composition and encounter rates of mammals (>400g) in two different protected area categories was conducted in the Bia-Goaso Forest Block in western Ghana from April 2008 to February 2009. One hundred... more
A comparative study of the species composition and encounter rates of mammals (>400g) in two different protected area categories was conducted in the Bia-Goaso Forest Block in western Ghana from April 2008 to February 2009. One hundred and eighty-seven line transects were systematically distributed in an extensive network of 2 wildlife reserves and 9 forest reserves. Mammal signs (droppings and tracks) belonging to twenty-three species (2 rodents; 5 primates; 6 carnivores and 10 ungulates), representing 4 Families and 17 Genera were recorded for the survey period. The most abundant species recorded were brush-tailed porcupine (Antherurus africanus 14.0%), mammal signs, marsh cane rat (Thryonomys swinderianus; 13.4%), Maxwell's duiker (Cephalophus maxwelli; 11.3%) and bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus; 10.2%). Large mammals, including elephant (Loxodonta africana cyclotis), buffalo (Sycerus caffer nanus), chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes verus) and leopard (Panthera pardus) had relati...
We used line transects to survey chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus) and threatened monkeys in the Bia-Goaso Forest Block (BGFB) in Southwestern Ghana. Based on nest counts, we estimated a density of 0.26 chimpanzees per km² (SE = 0.25,... more
We used line transects to survey chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus) and threatened monkeys in the Bia-Goaso Forest Block (BGFB) in Southwestern Ghana. Based on nest counts, we estimated a density of 0.26 chimpanzees per km² (SE = 0.25, CV = 111.7%) and an average nest encounter rate of 0.29 nests per km. We directly encountered 16 monkey groups (encounter rate of 0.12 groups per km), which included four species of diurnal monkeys: Lowe's monkey (Cercopithecus campbelli lowei), lesser spot-nosed monkey (Cercopithecus petaurista petaurista), black and white colobus (Colobus vellerosus) and olive colobus (Procolobus verus). More than half of our monkey encounters involved polyspecific groups. The distribution of chimpanzees was clumped and their range was restricted to only five out of the 14 reserves surveyed, while that of the monkeys was much extensive for the different species, extending from nine to eleven of the 14 reserves surveyed. We found signs of hunting activity throug...
An investigation into the factors that influence crop raiding by forest elephants (Loxodonta cyclotis) around the Kakum Conservation Area (KCA) was carried out during July 2001 to June 2002. The frequency and distribution of crop raiding... more
An investigation into the factors that influence crop raiding by forest elephants (Loxodonta cyclotis) around the Kakum Conservation Area (KCA) was carried out during July 2001 to June 2002. The frequency and distribution of crop raiding was assessed by analyzing crop damage report forms on all incursions by elephants into randomly selected sites around the KCA. The incidence of raids was then compared with environmental/natural and human variables for each month. Data on variables were collected through field measurements. There were 117 elephant crop damage incidents involving 58 farms belonging to 43 farmers. June was the peak month (2.4 raids /km ) of crop raiding activities whilst October experienced the least (0.1 raids /km ). Natural factors like fruit availability within KCA greatly reduced the risk of raids in nearby farms. However, at the farm level, the maturation period of maize presented the strongest risk. Also, environmental factors like rainfall, indirectly affected ...
The bushmeat trade in tropical Africa represents illegal, unsustainable off-takes of millions of tons of wild game - mostly mammals - per year. We sequenced four mitochondrial gene fragments (cyt b, COI, 12S, 16S) in >300 bushmeat... more
The bushmeat trade in tropical Africa represents illegal, unsustainable off-takes of millions of tons of wild game - mostly mammals - per year. We sequenced four mitochondrial gene fragments (cyt b, COI, 12S, 16S) in >300 bushmeat items representing nine mammalian orders and 59 morphological species from five western and central African countries (Guinea, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea). Our objectives were to assess the efficiency of cross-species PCR amplification and to evaluate the usefulness of our multilocus approach for reliable bushmeat species identification. We provide a straightforward amplification protocol using a single 'universal' primer pair per gene that generally yielded >90% PCR success rates across orders and was robust to different types of meat preprocessing and DNA extraction protocols. For taxonomic identification, we set up a decision pipeline combining similarity- and tree-based approaches with an assessment of taxonomic expert...