W National Park

W National Park

W National Park and Pendjari National Park, together with other protected areas, form the W-Arly-Pendjari (WAP) Complex, covering an impressive 26,361 km² of transboundary land in West Africa. This vast area represents the largest intact wild ecosystem in the region. W National Park, named after the shape of the Niger River in its northernmost section, plays a vital role within the WAP Complex. The parks are part of a network of protected areas that extend across Benin, Burkina Faso, and Niger, contributing to the preservation of the rich biodiversity and ecosystems in the region. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it was established by decree on August 4, 1954, and is classified as a National Park, IUCN Type II. The three amazing parks, including the adjacent Dallol Bosso, which is a Wetland of International Importance, also known as a Ramsar site, located on the eastern bank of the Niger River. Moreover, there is a partial overlap with the smaller 'Parc national du W,' which is also a Wetland of International Importance. It is truly remarkable how these parks have been able to preserve their natural beauty and wildlife. They are not only beautiful but also recognized by BirdLife International as Important Bird Areas. The W National Park is renowned for its abundance of large mammals, among them aardvark, baboon, African Buffalo, caracal, cheetah, African Bush Elephant, hippopotamus, African Leopard, West African Lion, serval and warthog. Some of the last wild African Elephants in West Africa live in the area. The park is also famous for its populations of birds, particularly transient migratory species, with more than 350 species documented in the park.