Pendjari National Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pendjari National Park |
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IUCN Category II (National Park)
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IUCN Protected Areas of the WAP complex
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| Location | Benin, West Africa |
| Nearest city | Tanguieta |
| Area | 2,755 km2 (1,064 sq mi) |
| Website | https://www.african-parks.org/the-parks/pendjari |
| UNESCO World Heritage Site | |
| Part of | Beninese part of W-Arly-Pendjari Complex |
| Criteria | Natural: (ix), (x) |
| Inscription | 1996 (20th Session) |
| Extensions | 2017 |
The Pendjari National Park is a special place in northwestern Benin, a country in West Africa. It's right next to the Arli National Park in Burkina Faso. This amazing park gets its name from the Pendjari River that flows through it.
Pendjari National Park is super important because it protects many wild animals. It's one of the last places in West Africa where you can find large animals like elephants, West African lions, hippopotamuses, buffalo, and different kinds of antelopes. The park is also famous for its many different types of birds.
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About Pendjari National Park
Pendjari National Park covers a huge area of 2,755 square kilometers. That's a lot of space for animals to roam freely! The park is part of an even bigger protected area called the WAP complex.
The WAP Complex
The WAP complex is made up of three national parks: the W, Arli, and Pendjari parks. This huge area stretches across three countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, and Niger. It's one of the largest protected areas in all of West Africa.
Why is Pendjari Park Important?
Pendjari National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This means it's recognized by the United Nations as a place that is very important to the world. It helps protect unique plants and animals that might not survive elsewhere. Protecting these areas helps keep our planet healthy and full of amazing wildlife for future generations.
Wildlife in the Park
Pendjari National Park is a haven for many different animals. It's especially known for its large mammals and diverse bird life.
Mammals of Pendjari
The park is home to some of Africa's most iconic animals.
- Elephants: You can see large herds of African elephants here. They are the biggest land animals!
- West African Lions: These powerful big cats are a rare sight, and Pendjari is one of their last strongholds in West Africa.
- Hippopotamuses: These large, water-loving mammals spend most of their day in the rivers and pools.
- Buffalo: Herds of African buffalo, also known as Cape buffalo, graze in the park's grasslands.
- Antelopes: Many different kinds of antelopes live here, like the western hartebeest and roan antelope.
Birds of Pendjari
Birdwatchers love Pendjari National Park because it has so many different bird species. You can see colorful birds, large birds of prey, and many migratory birds that visit the park at different times of the year. The park's varied habitats, from savannas to wetlands, provide perfect homes for all these birds.
Images for kids
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Landscape
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Pendjari river within the national park in dry season: right Burkina Faso, left Benin
See also
In Spanish: Parque nacional del Pendjari para niños
