Nearly 450 species of birds have been recorded in the Odzala-Kokoua National Park, with more than 300 of these known to breed there, making Odzala one of BirdLife International’s Important Bird Areas and perhaps the richest forest block in west-central Africa for birds. The diverse array of pristine habitats is the reason for such high numbers of species, especially the forest areas which host some 250 resident species. The forests also present the most challenging birding and it is here more than anywhere where the services of a skilled guide are required.
The guides employed at Odzala Wilderness Camps have also been tasked with the development of these skills in local community employees. It is with these local experts that reliable sightings of some of the region’s ‘specials’ can be found, species such as Plumed Guineafowl, Hartlaub’s duck, Cassin’s Malimbe, Bare-cheeked Trogon, Blue Malkoha, Black-casqued Wattled Hornbill, Black Bee-eaters, Blue-throated Roller and many others. Two such guides are employed at Odzala Wilderness Camps and have been tasked with the development of these skills in local community employees. It is with these local experts that reliable sightings of some of the region’s ‘specials’ can be found, species such as Plumed Guineafowl, Hartlaub’s duck, Cassin’s Malimbe, Bare-cheeked Trogon, Blue Malkoha, Black-casqued Wattled Hornbill, Black Bee-eaters, Blue-throated Roller and many others.