Avifauna of the Kani satellite gold deposit mining area (Worodougou region, northwest, Côte d’Ivoire)

The Kani gold mining perimeter in the Seguela department of Côte d'Ivoire underwent an avifaunal assessment to establish a baseline of its bird population prior to project implementation. In woodland areas, the listening point method coupled with point indices of abundance was used to inventory birds. In open areas, however, the main method used was a slow-moving itinerant route on foot, with stops to observe and count birds.

A total of 104 bird species belonging to 41 families from 14 orders were inventoried. Among these bird species, two (02) are endemic to West Africa; seven (07) are characteristic of the Guinean-Congolese forest biome and eight (08) others are recognized as being confined to the Sudano-Guinean savannah biome. Although the study area does not host any bird species whose protection is of worldwide interest, the significant number of birds in terms of species richness and abundance, despite the numerous anthropogenic pressures encountered in the area, makes this site an area of interest for avifauna conservation.

From the perspective of environmental protection and sustainable biodiversity management, this study is of vital interest. In fact, it enabled us to take stock of the birds in the area, which in turn will enable us to plan appropriate conservation measures for avifauna in the biodiversity management plan proposed at the end of the environmental and social impact study for the project.