West African forests and forestry

A practical guide to the timberlands of West Africa, this volume blends clear, on‑the‑ground observations with more than one hundred hand‑drawn illustrations. The author, a long‑serving forest conservator, organises the material around the trees most commonly encountered by loggers and their buyers, offering simple visual cues that let even a casual observer tell species apart without needing formal botanical training. Readers will find concise notes on the uses, growth habits and typical habitats of trees such as ironwood, African oak and mahogany, together with snapshots of the forests that sustain them—from the dense evergreen stands beside Barombo Lake to the cultivated teak plantations of Togo.

Beyond species identification, the book outlines the work of colonial forest departments, citing reports and data that illuminate how timber extraction, plantation experiments, and conservation policies were coordinated in the early twentieth century. The richly detailed plates capture both thriving groves and areas showing the impact of over‑tapping, providing a visual record that is as informative as it is striking. Whether you are a timber professional, a student of tropical ecology, or simply curious about the region’s natural heritage, the text offers an accessible window into West Africa’s forested landscapes.