The Rainforests of West Africa

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In West Africa, industrialized nations have left early marks on the rainforest, influencing developments in other regions as well. This area serves as a pioneer in both positive and negative aspects, warranting a closer examination of its history. Until recently, interest in these rainforests was limited to a few specialists, with the broader scientific community neglecting their invaluable resources and significance. Despite the popularity of interdisciplinary research, it has rarely been applied to the world's most complex habitat. Scientists have often focused on the easiest aspects to study, overlooking the myriad details that deserve attention. Botanists concentrated on establishing herbariums, neglecting the overall vegetation and the importance of useful plants for local communities. Zoologists focused on collecting and describing species, while anthropologists frequently ignored the animal kingdom, mistakenly referencing tigers and deer as part of Africa's fauna. Foresters, too, failed to recognize the intricacies of the rainforest, confusing it with monocultures of fir trees and focusing solely on timber. This lack of comprehensive understanding highlights the urgent need for a more holistic approach to studying and preserving the rich biodiversity of West Africa's rainforests.