Bijilo Forest Park, a renowned nature reserve in Gambia, offers a sanctuary for diverse wildlife, including its famous monkey population.
Spanning 51 hectares (126 acres), the park is home to green monkeys, patas monkeys, and the rare red colobus monkeys. It also shelters over 100 bird species, reptiles, and butterflies, making it a hotspot for nature enthusiasts.
Visitors can explore its rich ecosystem through walking trails that provide an up-close view of the park’s biodiversity. However, growing urbanization and human activities pose a threat to its natural balance. Conservation efforts are underway to protect the park and ensure its sustainability.
Originally designated a national park in 1952, Bijilo remained largely unprotected until 1991 when a Gambian-German forestry initiative helped open it for ecotourism. The initiative aimed to restore and develop Gambia’s national parks, many of which had suffered from bushfires and deforestation.
Authorities continue to implement measures to safeguard Bijilo’s environment while promoting its ecotourism potential, preserving it as a vital refuge for wildlife in Gambia.
