Marshall Wetlands

Marshall Wetlands. 24/08/06; Margibi; 12,168 ha; 06°08'N 010°22'W. Comprising three small rivers, the area has sandy and rocky shores, and further inland is a population of secondary forests and savannah woodland. The wetland is chiefly a mangrove type with mature trees reaching up to 30m. In addition to the Red Colobus monkey, a number of bird species listed by the CMS appear in the area, such as the Glossy Ibis, Lesser Kestrel and Common Pratincole. The site provides control against flooding and underground water recharge and is a sediment trap. The very large stands of mangroves, fish population and wildlife are valuable resources for inhabitants in the area. The three rivers are navigable and are used for transport from one village to another. The uncontrolled harvesting of the mangrove forest and dynamiting of fish by local people are serious threats to the ecological character of the site, as is pollution from a rubber company upstream. In addition, the presence of Chromolaena odorata, an invasive alien species which provides host to harmful agricultural insects such as the variegated grasshopper Zonocerus variegatus, is a serious problem for farmers. Research on chimpanzees for human vaccines against hepatitis A, B and C is also being carried out at the site, with the animals released on islets in the mangroves afterwards. Ramsar site no. 1630. Most recent RIS information: 2006.

All sites in Liberia

Related news

Liberia's additions to the Ramsar List

Post-conflict assessment of impacts on Liberian wetlands

Liberia joins the Ramsar Convention