Habitat Type - Gallery Forest Abuko Nature Reserve contains one of the few remaining intact examples of Gallery Forest in The Gambia. It similar in structure to rain forest. The main difference being that it relies on surface water as its primary source of moisture, while rain forest depends on precipation. Gallery Forest is characterised by evergreen forest with a closed canopy and fairly open understorey. The canopy can grow to an excess of 30 metres in height.
Gallery forest is a limited habitat type in The Gambia.
It found only in Abuko, Pirang Forest Park and in narrow fringes along the river where the water is fresh. Animals and birds who specialise in this habitat type include colobus monkey, dwarf crocodile, Maxwell's duiker, Gambian sun squirrel and green touraco. Other mammals present include Senegal and Blotched Genets, bush buck, Maxwell's duiker, Gambian sun squirrel, striped ground squirrel, crested porcupine, bats and a variety of rodents. Reptiles present include Nile and Dwarf Crocodile, Nile and Boscs Monitor, Ngama Lizard, various skinks and geckos, African Rock Python,Royal Puff Adder, Black Necked Cobra and Green Mamba. The best season for a visit is very much dependent upon what aspect of nature the visitor is seeking.