Straddling the Sahelian and the Saharan areas of north-east Chad, Ennedi Massif is a water-rich desert landscape associated with the presence of large ephemeral streams and semi-permanent pools of water, or gueltas. This water gives life to the desert, enabling Ennedi to support an astonishing diversity of life, including over 525 species of flora.
In recent years, one of the most famous gueltas in the Sahara, the unique ecosystem of Guelta d'Archei – where wildlife and local residents have gathered for thousands of years – has been coming under pressure. After an initial report, led by an external specialist anthropologist and funded by the EU, emphasised the need for action, African Parks and local representatives worked together to draft a convention proposal for the protection of the Guelta’s biodiversity and of the last population of West African crocodiles in the Reserve, which reside in the waters. Under this agreement, signed in 2023, actions are being put in motion to reduce human impact and preserve this magical place, known as “the true Eden of the Sahara”.
Ennedi’s wildlife populations are a management priority, involving several measures including regular ecological data collection, long-term monitoring of key species, and the reintroduction of locally extinct emblematic species. Chad is home to the only viable populations of both red-necked ostrich as well as a growing population of addax antelope; in-situ conservation for both species is essential to their survival.
Species Restorations
In 2023, in an effort to re-establish species previously lost to the landscape, a pilot group of ten addax antelope was reintroduced to Ennedi from Abu Dhabi in partnership with the Chadian Government, Sahara Conservation and the Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi. Once found in large numbers, the critically endangered addax is slowly being brought back to Chad. The ultimate goal is to establish a healthy, viable population exceeding 500 individuals of both addax and oryx, a vital step in securing the long-term survival of the species and restoring Ennedi’s ecosystem.
The return of addax follows the reintroduction of the red-necked ostrich to Ennedi, brought from Zakouma National Park in 2021. In November 2023, a healthy batch of red-necked chicks was observed, bringing the population to over 50 birds — more than doubling numbers within a year, with a sub-population housed at Sougounaw Ostrich Farm in Fada.
Specialised teams of eco-monitors track both addax and ostriches on a daily basis, providing important metrics to further analyse their wellbeing and plan future reintroduction projects in the reserve. With these two successful reintroductions, a solid foundation for the continued rewilding of the ENCR has been laid. A study is currently underway to explore the possibility of introducing more desert crocodile.
Monitoring and Surveys
Efforts have also been dedicated to establishing a solid biodiversity inventory. An aerial survey for wildlife and domestic fauna has been completed, camera traps used to capture wildlife in the reserve, and various studies and surveys conducted. These included an amphibian and fish survey, an assessment of natural water points, an article on the spatial data of mouflons and dorcas gazelles, and studies on large mammals, insects, and arachnids.
Conservation Law Enforcement
Effective protection measures have been implemented to protect Ennedi’s large mammals, which are still subject to the pressures of unsustainable resource utilisation.
Key threats to Ennedi include hunting of Barbary sheep and dorcas gazelles; conflict between herders and carnivores due to livestock predation; unsustainable livestock and farming practices; and degradation of archaeological sites.
To protect Ennedi’s wildlife and help to help create environmental awareness amongst local communities, a dedicated team of 60 rangers cover more than 50,000 km by motorised, camel and foot patrols daily.
The Ennedi conservation law enforcement team receives regular training consisting of exchange and capacity-building courses and specialised IT training. In addition, infrastructure and communication systems are being established. All efforts are coordinated through close collaboration with local communities and regional authorities.
A control room serves to improve communication and team monitoring on the ground, while camel patrols monitor the reserve’s least accessible areas, particularly in the mountains, a prime habitat for Barbary sheep.
Archaeological Sites
The presence of humans in the Ennedi landscape dates back over 10,000 years to the Neolithic period. Mausoleums and hundreds of engravings and rock paintings bear testament to this continuity of human presence; their illustrations depicting 16 different styles and three distinct eras of rock art. Over a thousand archaeological sites have been recorded.
The discovery of ancient rock art and other sites of inestimable value brings with it a responsibility to ensure their preservation and an efficient protection strategy with UNESCO is in development.