W National Park of Niger

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Photo by flickr user s-a-m

I worked as a wildlife biologist in National Park W, Niger for two and a half years during the late 1980's. I went back there in 2005 to shoot a documentary about Niger (www.myspace.com/danballuff).

There are are not as many wild animals living in Park W as there are in some of the parks in East Africa but there is an impressive amount of wildlife diversity there. During a visit to the Park W, it is likely that you will see many wildlife species, including elephants, cape buffalo, red and green monkeys, baboons, many antelop species, many bird species, crocadiles, possibly hippos, pythons, lions, and many others.

During the dry season it is usually very hot. There is a surprisingly nice hotel in the small village of Tapoa, at the park entrance.

The problems in the park include, poaching, cattle grazing, and a shortage of water during the dry season. A trip to the park is a great off the beaten path adventure you won't forget.

Written by  danballuff.

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W National Park of Niger

The part of 'W' National Park that lies in Niger is situated in a transition zone between savannah and forest lands and represents important ecosystem characteristics of the West African Woodlands/Savannah Biogeographical Province. The site reflects the interaction between natural resources and humans since Neolithic times and illustrates the evolution of biodiversity in this zone.

Copyright © UNESCO/World Heritage Centre. All rights reserved.

 World Reviewer Staff - posted 7th December 2007