W National Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids W Transborder Park |
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IUCN Category II (National Park)
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The Mekrou River flows through W-National Park.
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Map of the WAP complex, showing protected areas.
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| Location | Niger-Burkina Faso-Benin |
| Nearest city | Kandi (Benin), Diapaga (Burkina Faso), Tapoa (Niger) |
| Area | 10,000 km2 (3,900 sq mi) |
| Established | August 4, 1954 |
| Governing body | ECOPAS, Governments of Niger, Burkina Faso, and Benin |
| Official name: W Regional Park | |
| Type: | Natural |
| Criteria: | vii, ix, x |
| Designated: | 1996 (20th session) |
| Reference #: | 749bis |
| State Party: | Niger |
| Region: | Africa |
| Official name: Parc national du W | |
| Designated: | 30 April 1987 |
| Reference #: | 355 |
| Official name: Parc National du W | |
| Designated: | 27 June 1990 |
| Reference #: | 492 |
| Official name: Site Ramsar du Complexe W | |
| Designated: | 2 February 2007 |
| Reference #: | 1668 |
The W Regional Park is a very important national park in West Africa. It gets its name from the Niger River, which flows through the park in a shape that looks like the letter "W". This special park covers parts of three different countries: Niger, Benin, and Burkina Faso.
The W National Park in Niger was officially created on August 4, 1954. Later, in 1996, it was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. This means it's a place of special importance to everyone in the world. The entire park, across all three nations, covers a huge area of about 10,000 square kilometers. Very few people live inside the park, which helps protect its wild animals and nature.
Amazing Animals of W Park
The W Regional Park is famous for its many large mammals. It is home to animals like aardvarks, baboons, buffalo, caracals, cheetahs, elephants, hippopotamuses, leopards, lions, servals, and warthogs.
Elephants and Big Cats
The park is a safe place for some of West Africa's last wild African Elephants. These huge animals need large areas to live and find food. The W Park helps them survive.
It is also one of the last places where you can find the rare Northwest African Cheetah. There is a small but growing group of at least 15 to 25 of these fast cats in the park. Sadly, the park used to have packs of the endangered Painted Hunting Dog, but they are no longer found there.
Bird Life
Besides mammals, the W area is also known for its many different kinds of birds. Over 350 species of birds have been seen in the park. This makes it a great place for birdwatchers and for scientists who study birds.
Protecting the Park
The W Regional Park is protected by the governments of Niger, Burkina Faso, and Benin. They work together to keep the park safe for its animals and plants. Being a UNESCO World Heritage Site also helps bring attention and support to protect this important natural area.
See also
In Spanish: Parque nacional W para niños
