Biodiversity Conservation

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, West African 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), recognising that the area is home to threatened and/or range-restricted species and is vital for their conservation.

Pendjari uses a telemetric monitoring system for regular aerial surveys © Marcus Westberg

An aerial survey is conducted every two years to estimate the populations of large mammal species and to understand their movements across the park and the WAP Complex. In 2024, the survey showed promising results, including a significant increase in elephant numbers over three years. This increase is likely due to elephant migration from neighbouring countries seeking refuge in Pendjari, where improved management and conservation law enforcement have decreased illegal hunting.

A telemetry monitoring system of key species such as lion, leopard, and cheetah has been implemented, including the collaring of elephant and antelope.  An antelope restoration initiative was launched in 2024 with species such as korrigum, hartebeest, waterbuck and western kob were relocated within the park to a dedicated breeding boma. Successful births in captivity are testament to the initiative’s long-term viability. 

The ranger team in Pendjari is regularly bolstered with refresher courses and training © Marcus Westberg

In consultation with local leaders, efforts to mitigate pressures and find alternatives to illegal and unsustainable resource extraction are ongoing. Together with W National Park, human-wildlife conflict (HWC) management and mitigation programmes are continuing, with HWC victims being compensated for losses.

Over the past decade, militant activity in the Sahel has spread into Benin and its protected areas. Since then, Pendjari and W have re-evaluated their approach to the long-term conservation and management of these protected areas. Ongoing specialised training programmes, including refresher human rights training, enhance ranger capability for all rangers to align operations with current threats and best practices. Close, positive engagement is prioritised and maintained with local communities who play a vital role in supporting security within their regions. 

For these solutions to work, coordination and clarity on roles and responsibilities between African Parks and the government is vital. The Benin Government ensures the ongoing support of the national army to reduce the threat of militant action, working towards de-escalating socio-political tensions. Park management’s focus is on biodiversity conservation, safeguarding natural resources, and continuing with community development initiatives.