In Ghana, the largest unprotected population of West African Slender-snouted Crocodile (CR) resides in the Techiman-Tanoso stretch of the Tano River. Despite the strong local traditional beliefs that strictly forbid hunting the crocodile, rapid degradation of nesting areas and water pollution threaten their survival. Without protection of their habitat, one of the rarest crocodiles in the world could disappear in this region forever.

Rainforest Trust and our local partner, Threatened Species Conservation Alliance, will establish the 838-acre community-based Techiman-Tanoso Crocodile Sanctuary. The sanctuary will be created in alignment with the local community and will protect a 130’ wide riparian buffer on each side of the Tano River for 25 miles.

Header photo: The Critically Endangered Slender-snouted Crocodile on the banks of the Tano River, courtesy of our local partner, Threatened Species Conservation Alliance

Protect the Last Remaining Stronghold for this Rare Crocodile

This fragile habitat for the crocodile and other rare species faces an uncertain future. Only 35% of its original riparian vegetation is left intact. The creation of this protected area is urgently needed as further delays will result in the total collapse of this critical ecosystem. Home’s Hinge-back Tortoise (CR) and White-bellied Pangolin (EN) are also in imminent danger of extinction as slash-and-burn land clearing, harvesting for food and the wildlife trade threaten their survival.

Support Science-Based Methods for Sanctuary Creation

The Threatened Species Conservation Alliance has been working in Ghana since 2017 to assess the population status of the Slender-snouted Crocodile. Through surveys and research, conservationists identified the most critical, unprotected habitat in this region for the Slender-snouted Crocodile. Here, in the proposed protected area, they recorded 271 direct sightings—the highest rate for this rare crocodile in recent times.