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Burkina Faso National Parks

Burkina Faso National Parks
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About Burkina Faso National Parks

Burkina Faso, a landlocked country in West Africa, is home to four national parks: Arly National Park, W National Park, Deux Balés National Park, and Kaboré Tambi National Park. These national parks in Burkina Faso are essential for protecting the country’s savannas, woodlands, and wetlands, providing critical habitats for a wide variety of wildlife, including several endangered species. The parks contribute to conservation efforts and are important for promoting eco-tourism and local economic development.

Arly National Park, located in southeastern Burkina Faso, is part of the larger W-Arly-Pendjari Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site shared with Benin and Niger. This park is home to iconic African wildlife, such as elephants, lions, cheetahs, buffalos, and several species of antelope. It is also a haven for birdwatchers, with hundreds of bird species recorded in the area. Arly’s diverse ecosystems, ranging from savannas to rivers and forested areas, make it a hotspot for biodiversity.

W National Park, another significant park in Burkina Faso, is part of the same transboundary complex and is known for its “W”-shaped bend in the Niger River. It is rich in wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, and various bird species. Both Arly and W are crucial for maintaining the region’s ecological balance.

Kaboré Tambi National Park, situated in the southern part of the country, is known for its savanna landscapes and the Nazinon River, which supports populations of elephants, antelopes, and baboons. Deux Balés National Park is another important area for wildlife conservation, focusing on the protection of Burkina Faso’s remaining savanna elephants.

Burkina Faso national parks face several challenges, including poaching, illegal hunting, and habitat destructioncaused by agricultural expansion. Additionally, limited resources for park management and enforcement have hindered effective conservation efforts. Despite these difficulties, Burkina Faso’s national parks remain critical for the preservation of the country’s wildlife and natural habitats, with ongoing conservation efforts aimed at improving protection and sustainability.

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Burkina Faso National Parks

Burkina Faso National Parks

Arli National Park

Burkina Faso National Parks

Deux Balés National Park

Burkina Faso National Parks

Kaboré Tambi National Park

Burkina Faso National Parks

W National Park

FAQ’s

1. What was the first national park in Burkina Faso?

The first national park in Burkina Faso is Arli National Park, established in 1954. Located in the southeastern part of the country, it is part of the larger W-Arly-Pendjari (WAP) Complex, which spans Burkina Faso, Benin, and Niger.

Arli National Park was created to protect its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems, which include savannahs, forests, and wetlands. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, and antelopes, making it a crucial area for conservation efforts.

2. What is the largest national park in Burkina Faso?

The largest national park in Burkina Faso is W National Park, which covers approximately 5,000 square miles (10,000 square kilometers) across Burkina Faso, Benin, and Niger.

The portion of the park within Burkina Faso is a key part of the W-Arly-Pendjari Complex, known for its diverse ecosystems, including savannahs, forests, and floodplains.

The park is home to a wide range of wildlife, including elephants, hippos, and buffalo, as well as numerous bird species, making it a significant area for biodiversity conservation.

3. What is the smallest national park in Burkina Faso?

The smallest national park in Burkina Faso is Deux Balés National Park, covering approximately 218 square miles (560 square kilometers). Located in the western part of the country, it is known for its savannah landscapes and riverine forests.

Deux Balés provides important habitats for wildlife, including elephants, antelopes, and various bird species. The park is significant for local conservation efforts, focusing on preserving its diverse ecosystems and the species that inhabit them.

4. What is the most popular national park in Burkina Faso?

Arli National Park is considered the most popular national park in Burkina Faso due to its rich biodiversity and role within the W-Arly-Pendjari Complex.

The park offers a unique opportunity to experience the diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes of West Africa.

Visitors to Arli can explore its vast savannahs, spot large mammals such as elephants and lions, and enjoy birdwatching in its wetlands.

The park’s accessibility and the range of activities available, including guided safaris and nature walks, make it a favorite destination for both tourists and researchers interested in exploring Burkina Faso’s natural heritage.

5. What percentage of Burkina Faso's land area is protected through official National Parks?

Approximately 3.5% of Burkina Faso’s land area is protected through national parks and game reserves, covering about 4,247 square miles (11,000 square kilometers). This protected land helps conserve the country’s wildlife and ecosystems, which face pressures from agricultural expansion and human activity.

6. What other protected areas are there in Burkina Faso?

In addition to its national parks, Burkina Faso has several other protected areas, including game reserves and classified forests. Notable game reserves include the Pama Reserve and the Comoé-Léraba Reserve, which provide important habitat for wildlife such as elephants, antelopes, and various bird species. There are also biosphere reserves, such as the Mare aux Hippopotames Biosphere Reserve, which protects a wetland habitat known for its population of hippos.

7. What nature attractions does Burkina Faso have apart from National Parks?

Apart from its national parks, Burkina Faso offers several natural attractions, including the Sindou Peaks, a stunning landscape of eroded rock formations located in the southwest of the country.

The Karfiguéla Waterfalls, near Banfora, provide a beautiful spot for swimming and picnicking. Additionally, Lake Tengrela, known for its hippos, is another popular natural site. The country’s savannas and protected wetlands are also important areas for birdwatching.

8. What species are endemic and unique to Burkina Faso alone?

Burkina Faso does not have many species that are endemic solely to the country, but it plays a critical role in the conservation of regional species such as the West African lion, African elephant, and West African giraffe. The country’s wetlands are also home to a variety of bird species that are crucial to the regional biodiversity.

9. What is Burkina Faso's main international airport?

Burkina Faso’s main international airport is Ouagadougou International Airport (IATA code: OUA), located in the capital city, Ouagadougou. It is the primary hub for international flights into the country.

10. What international airline companies fly into Burkina Faso?

The following international airline companies fly into Burkina Faso:

  • Air Burkina (the national carrier)
  • Air France
  • Air Côte d’Ivoire
  • ASKY Airlines
  • Brussels Airlines
  • Ethiopian Airlines
  • Royal Air Maroc
  • Turkish Airlines

11. Who manages the national parks of Burkina Faso?

The national parks in Burkina Faso are managed by the National Office for Protected Areas (OFINAP), under the Ministry of Environment, Green Economy, and Climate Change.

OFINAP is responsible for the conservation and management of protected areas across the country, ensuring the preservation of biodiversity and the sustainable use of natural resources.

Burkina Faso also collaborates with international organizations such as the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and African Parks to support conservation efforts. More information can be found through the Ministry’s official website at http://www.environnement.gov.bf.