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Grebo-Krahn National Parks
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Grebo-Krahn Overview

Grebo-Krahn National Park, located in southeastern Liberia’s Grand Gedeh and River Gee counties, was established on October 9, 2017, to preserve the region’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage. The park spans approximately 237,591 acres (96,200 hectares) and is managed by Liberia’s Forestry Development Authority.

The park’s terrain is characterized by lowland tropical rainforests, gently rolling hills, and an extensive network of rivers and streams. While it lacks significant mountains or waterfalls, its lush forests and waterways create a serene and picturesque environment.

Grebo-Krahn National Park is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity, serving as a critical habitat for numerous endangered and critically endangered species. Notably, it is home to the western chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes verus), Diana monkey (Cercopithecus diana), king colobus (Colobus polykomos), pygmy hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis), and giant pangolin (Smutsia gigantea).

The park also supports over 300 animal species and 270 plant species, highlighting its ecological significance. Additionally, BirdLife International has designated the park as an Important Bird Area (IBA) due to its substantial avian populations.

Conservation efforts in Grebo-Krahn National Park have been robust and collaborative. In December 2021, multinational stakeholders validated a five-year strategic management plan aimed at effective park administration in line with international standards.

Organizations like the International Elephant Foundation and the Centre for Environment, Forest Conservation and Research (CENFOR) Liberia have been instrumental in protecting forest elephants within the park. Their initiatives include supporting park rangers, engaging local communities through wildlife clubs, and educating residents about wildlife laws.

Community involvement has been pivotal in the park’s conservation success. The Wild Chimpanzee Foundation has increased the presence of eco-guards, including women who previously participated in the bushmeat trade. This shift has empowered individuals like Mathaline Garley, who transitioned from selling bushmeat to becoming an environmental educator.

Grebo-Krahn National Park is part of the larger Taï-Grebo-Sapo forest complex, which spans Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire. Efforts are underway to improve ecological connectivity within this transboundary landscape, countering forest fragmentation and promoting genetic exchange among species. National institutions, local park authorities, and civil society organizations collaborate to establish ecological corridors between protected areas, enhancing the resilience of these ecosystems.

In October 2024, conservation teams rescued an orphaned baby pygmy hippopotamus named Toto, found stranded in a drying mud pool within the park. This operation underscores the ongoing commitment to wildlife preservation and the challenges faced in protecting vulnerable species.

In summary, Grebo-Krahn National Park stands as a testament to Liberia’s dedication to conserving its natural heritage. Through collaborative conservation efforts, community engagement, and international support, the park continues to safeguard its unique biodiversity for future generations.

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Park Map
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Grebo-Krahn National Park Highlights

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Grebo-Krahn National Park, located in southeastern Liberia, is a critical haven for a variety of species, offering protection to rare and endemic wildlife within its lush tropical rainforests.

Western Chimpanzee
These intelligent primates are known for their complex social behaviors and tool use, making them a keystone species in the park.

Forest Elephant
Smaller than their savanna counterparts, these elephants navigate the dense rainforest, playing a crucial role in seed dispersal.

Leopard
An elusive and powerful predator, the leopard roams the park’s underbrush and canopy, hunting prey with stealth and precision.

Pygmy Hippopotamus
A rare and shy species, this semi-aquatic mammal thrives in the park’s waterways and forested swamps.

Giant Pangolin
The largest of its kind, this nocturnal insectivore relies on its armored body for defense against predators.

Bongo Antelope
With its striking striped coat, the bongo is one of the most elusive and visually striking forest antelopes in the park.

Red River Hog
A vibrant, reddish-colored hog, it forages for roots and fruits across the park’s forest floor.

Honey Badger
Renowned for its fearlessness, this small carnivore is often seen foraging near termite mounds and forest clearings.

Tree Pangolin
Smaller than its ground-dwelling counterpart, this arboreal species uses its prehensile tail to navigate the treetops.

African Civet
A nocturnal and opportunistic feeder, the civet thrives in the park’s dense forests, preying on small animals and fruits.

Birds

Grebo-Krahn National Park is also a haven for a vibrant array of bird species, making it a magnet for ornithologists and birding enthusiasts.

Yellow-casqued Hornbill
This large, striking bird with a distinctive casque on its bill is a key seed disperser in the rainforest.

African Grey Parrot
Known for its intelligence and mimicry, this parrot is a charismatic resident of the park’s canopy.

White-breasted Guineafowl
A rare ground-dwelling bird, this guineafowl is often found in small groups foraging on the forest floor.

Great Blue Turaco
A colorful and vocal species, it moves through the forest canopy in search of fruit.

Red-throated Bee-eater
A vibrant bird that feeds on insects, often seen darting through sunlit forest clearings.

Black-collared Lovebird
A small, green parrot with a distinctive black collar, commonly found in the park’s forested areas.

Standard-winged Nightjar
A unique nocturnal bird, it displays elongated wing feathers during the breeding season.

Blue-headed Wood Dove
A shy and beautiful bird often heard cooing softly from the forest understory.

Palm-nut Vulture
Despite its name, this bird feeds primarily on fruit and is often seen near palm trees within the park.

Liberian Greenbul
Endemic to the region, this small bird inhabits the park’s dense forests, contributing to its unique avian diversity.

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Engaging Grebo-Krahn National Park

Guided chimpanzee observation tours offer an immersive experience into the lives of Grebo-Krahn’s Western chimpanzees. Visitors trek through dense forests to witness these primates’ complex behaviors, such as tool use and social interactions.

Guides share insights into the park’s conservation efforts, highlighting the challenges and successes in protecting this endangered species. The experience is not only educational but also deeply moving, offering a rare connection to one of humanity’s closest relatives.

The park’s towering trees provide an unparalleled opportunity for canopy exploration. Elevated walkways allow visitors to experience the rainforest from above, offering unique perspectives on its diverse flora and fauna.

From spotting arboreal species like tree pangolins to observing colorful hornbills in flight, these walks combine adventure with a sense of serenity. Interpretive guides provide information about the rainforest’s ecosystem and its critical role in global biodiversity.

For a completely different perspective of the park, nocturnal expeditions reveal the thriving world of nighttime species. Visitors, equipped with spotlights, can observe elusive creatures such as pygmy hippos, civets, and tree pangolins in their natural habitats.

The mysterious sounds of the rainforest at night create a magical ambiance, while expert guides share fascinating facts about the park’s nocturnal ecology. These expeditions offer a rare and unforgettable glimpse into the park’s after-dark activity.