Harman Patil (Editor)

Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary

Updated on
Edit
Like
Comment
Share on FacebookTweet on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare on Reddit
Location
  
Senegal

Criteria
  
vii, x

Reference no.
  
25

Address
  
Debi, Senegal

Established
  
April 14, 1971

Type
  
Natural

Designated
  
1981 (5th session)

State Party
  
Senegal

Area
  
160 km²

Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary

Similar
  
Langue de Barbarie, Niokolo‑Koba National Park, Gorée, Senegal River, Lake Retba

Djoudj national bird sanctuary senegal


The Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary (French: Parc national des oiseaux du Djoudj) lies on the southeast bank of the Senegal River in Senegal, in northern Biffeche, north east of St-Louis.

Contents

It provides a range of wetland habitats which prove very popular with migrating birds, many of which have just crossed the Sahara. Of almost 400 species of birds, the most visible are pelicans and flamingos. Less conspicuous are the aquatic warblers migrating here from Europe; for these, the park is the single most important wintering site yet discovered [1]. A wide range of wildlife also inhabits the park, which is designated a World Heritage Site. The site was added to the list of World Heritage in Danger in 2000 due to the introduction of the invasive giant salvinia plant, which threatens to choke out the park's native vegetation. However it was removed from the list in 2006.

Senegal parc djoudj national bird sanctuary


Environmental issues

Since operation of the Diama Dam on the Senegal River began in 1988, experts have observed a lowering of the water level, desalinization, and silting. The changes pose a threat to the fauna and flora. There has been in particular a proliferation of typhas and phragmites. To the left, satellite photos take by NASA in 1979 (before construction of the dam) and 1999 (afterwards) give evidence of the significant impact on the region's ecosystem.

In 2006, though no cases of avian flu had been reported in Senegal, a monitoring program was put into effect.

References

Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary Wikipedia