W National Park
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
W National Park of Niger* | |
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UNESCO World Heritage Site | |
State Party | Niger |
Type | Natural |
Criteria | vii, ix, x |
Reference | 749 |
Region† | Africa |
Inscription history | |
Inscription | 1996 (20th Session) |
* Name as inscribed on World Heritage List. † Region as classified by UNESCO. |
W National Park | |
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IUCN Category II (National Park) | |
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Location | Niger-Burkina Faso-Benin |
Coordinates | |
Area | 10,000 km² |
Established | August 4, 1954 |
The W National Park (French: "W" du Niger) is a major national park in Niger around a meander in the River Niger shaped like a "W". While most of the park is in Niger it also extends through areas of Benin and Burkina Faso. Its 10,000 km² is largely uninhabited by humans. The park was created by decree on 4 August 1954.
The park is known for its large mammals, including aardvarks, baboons, buffalo, caracal, cheetahs, elephants, hippopotamuses, leopards, lions, serval and warthogs.
The park was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.
[edit] External links
Categories: IUCN Category II | Biosphere reserves | Conservation in Burkina Faso | National parks of Benin | National parks of Burkina Faso | National parks of Niger | World Heritage Sites in Niger | Ramsar sites in Benin | Ramsar sites in Burkina Faso | Ramsar sites in Niger | Niger geography stubs | Benin geography stubs | Burkina Faso geography stubs | African protected area stubs