Pendjari National Park is part of the largest remaining intact ecosystem in West Africa – the W-Arly-Pendjari (WAP) complex – and an important refuge for West African wildlife. Mammal species found here include elephant, buffalo, lion, cheetah, leopard, as well as hippo, tsessebe, hartebeest, Buffon’s kob and Defassa waterbuck.
The park also hosts over 460 bird species. BirdLife International has identified Pendjari as an Important Bird Area (IBA) which recognises that the area is home to threatened and/or range-restricted species and is important for their protection.
Monitoring and Survey
An aerial survey is carried out every two years to estimate the population sizes of large mammal species and to understand their movements across the park and the WAP Complex. As part of human-elephant and livestock monitoring, an aerial survey was completed along Pendjari’s south-east boundary. Significant agricultural and livestock encroachment was noted in the Séri and Mékrou areas while over 300 elephant were counted inside these sectors of Pendjari.
A telemetric monitoring system of key species such as lion, leopard and cheetah has been implemented, including the collaring of 23 elephant, three hartebeest and two korrigum antelope. A total of 138 camera traps have been deployed as part of a large carnivore camera survey in the core area of Pendjari.
Conservation Law Enforcement
An increase in elephant and bushmeat poaching, agricultural pressure, livestock numbers along the park periphery are all factors that threaten the long-term conservation of the park. Specialised training, including a tactical advanced course, tracking, night vision, IED detection, advanced medical training and swimming, all increase the park rangers’ ability to operate safely in high security threat areas. All rangers receive training in human rights.
Improved information analysis systems have been implemented, moving from a reactive anti-poaching strategy to active counter-poaching strategy. This prevents poaching activities from taking place by disrupting illegal activities. Through collaboration and information gathering, an intelligence system is being implemented to enhance our law strengthening and effective judicial monitoring efforts.
Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) management and mitigation programmes are coordinated with W National Park, improving community support. In 2023, 37 community members were compensated for losses incurred due to HWC.