Dahomey National Wildlife Refuge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dahomey National Wildlife Refuge |
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IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
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 Dahomey National Wildlife Refuge
Location in the United States
Dahomey National Wildlife Refuge
Location in Mississippi
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| Location | Bolivar County, Mississippi, United States |
| Nearest city | Cleveland, Mississippi |
| Area | 9,691 acres (39.22 km2) |
| Established | 1990 |
| Governing body | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
| Website | Dahomey National Wildlife Refuge |
The Dahomey National Wildlife Refuge is a protected natural area in Mississippi, United States. It is located about 15 miles (24 km) southwest of Cleveland, Mississippi. This refuge is a very important home for many kinds of wildlife. It helps protect a special type of forest called bottomland hardwood forest, which grows in wet areas.
Contents
What is a National Wildlife Refuge?
A National Wildlife Refuge is a place set aside to protect wild animals and their homes. These refuges are managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Their main goal is to make sure that wildlife has safe places to live and thrive. They also help people learn about nature.
Why Dahomey is Special
Dahomey National Wildlife Refuge is unique because it protects one of the largest remaining areas of bottomland hardwood forests in northwest Mississippi. These forests are a type of wetland. Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil, or is present near the surface, for all or part of the year. They are very important for the environment.
Importance of Wetlands
Wetlands act like giant sponges. They help to clean water and prevent floods. They also provide a rich habitat for many different animals. Birds, fish, insects, and mammals all depend on healthy wetlands to survive. Protecting these areas is crucial for biodiversity.
History of the Refuge
The Dahomey National Wildlife Refuge was created in 1990. It started when a group called the Nature Conservancy bought a large piece of land. This land was 9,269 acres (37.51 km2) in size. They then leased it to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to manage.
How the Refuge Grew
In 1993, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officially bought the land from the Nature Conservancy. More land was added later. In 1991, the Mississippi Department of Transportation bought another 162-acre (0.66 km2) and gave it to the Service. The refuge also leases a 260-acre (1.1 km2) tract from the West Bolivar School Board. All these pieces together make the refuge 9,691 acres (39.22 km2) in total.
What You Can See at Dahomey
Because Dahomey is a bottomland hardwood forest, it is home to many different animals. You might see various types of birds, especially those that like wet forest environments. Deer, raccoons, and other mammals also live here. The refuge helps protect these animals and their natural homes.
Activities at the Refuge
While the main purpose of the refuge is conservation, many refuges also offer ways for people to enjoy nature. Visitors might be able to go birdwatching, hiking, or take nature photographs. These activities help people connect with the natural world and understand why places like Dahomey are so important.
