Picathartes

These birds were thought to be extinct in Ghana and had not been seen since the 1960s, until a local guide spotted some in 2003. The location of Bonkro, about 65km south-east of the second largest city of Ghana, Kumasi, has helped make it the most accessible and reliable place to see this species which for many ornithologists represents a magical experience. The village of Bonkro, in the rainforest of Ghana, is known in international ornithological circles as one of the best places to see a very special bird, the Yellow-headed Picatartes (Picathartes gymnocephalus), endemic to the forests of West Africa's Upper Guinea. a large, unique and spectacular passerine with a naked, colorful head, long tail and long, strong legs.

What does this mean for the inhabitants of Bonkro? The attention received from international birding tours has had a very positive impact, prompting the villagers to protect their forest and start a community-based ecotourism project. Villagers act as guides to take visitors to the Picathartes' nesting sites before sunset, when the birds return to their nests for the night.

An agreement has been reached with local communities to support local community-run businesses, thus creating income for local people which reduces the negative impact on local ecosystems through hunting and agricultural activities, to maintain conservation of ecotourism initiatives managed locally, to provide opportunities for local communities, school projects to educate future generations, free training to educate young people to become self-sufficient and free reading and writing lessons for adults and to continue to actively protect endangered wildlife species and vulnerable.
Ghana is home to many highly successful community-led conservation projects and Bonkro is the perfect ecotourism development.