Back to the original forest track which has served us so well. This time to walk back down towards the town.
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| Timber, already cut awaiting its journey to the village |
It was a leisurely morning, enjoying Yellowbill, and many Sunbird and Bee-Eater species, including Black and White-throated Bee-Eater.
More butterflies and odonata were photographed and as we sauntered back down the hillside, it was interesting to consider that when Peter first visited, not that long ago the forest extended to just outside the town, whereas now, we had driven and walked every day and only once managed to get to the edge of better quality forest. Even that was being logged even if on a small scale. One last look at the wetland, and it was time to leave for lunch and the journey home.
It would be great to be able to secure some protection for this forest, but without offering the locals an alternative income it would be impossible. Projects to support local communities in realising that protection of species and wild areas can bring an income are starting to appear around the world, but in all too few numbers.
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| Walking along the lower track |
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| the edge of town |
Let's hope there is the opportunity in the future to save pristine forests and extend them, bringing eco-tourists to an area is one way to encourage protection and also give rural communities a viable living.
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