Sustainable management of insect fauna in the Missahoé classified forest

The Missahoé Classified Forest (MCF), one of the last sites in Togo home to remarkable biodiversity, particularly in terms of its insect fauna, is under very strong human pressure. Beetles, butterflies and moths, and stick insects, whose species diversity found at Missahoé has made this forest an entomological research station, are no exception. The site’s appeal to collectors has led local populations to hunt intensively to sell specimens on illicit European markets (95% of catches are exported). In reality, it is a whole range of factors that has driven the erosion of insect fauna: proximity to farms using pesticides, habitat degradation and the disappearance of host plants… Today, the number of entomology enthusiasts visiting the MCF has fallen sharply, with far fewer visitors. The species targeted by the project are rare and threatened, and are listed as such in Togo’s National Monograph and National Conservation Strategy (2003).

The project has 1,200 direct beneficiaries and 9,000 indirect beneficiaries, and will cover the entire MCF, i.e. around 1,000 ha.

This project therefore aims to conserve insect fauna and develop ecological awareness with a view to better addressing issues around the protection of insect fauna and natural resources.