WArlyPendjari

W-Arly-Pendjari Complex, commonly abbreviated as WAP, is a transboundary protected area in West Africa that spans northern Benin, western Burkina Faso, and southern Niger. It links Pendjari National Park in Benin, Arly National Park in Burkina Faso, and W National Park in Niger, forming one of the region’s largest and most important savanna ecosystems. The complex is recognized for its role as a sanctuary for wildlife and as a corridor that connects major protected areas across national borders.

Geographically, the WAP covers a mosaic of savannas, gallery forests along major rivers such as the Pendjari and Niger, and seasonal wetlands. The landscape supports a distinct Sahelian to Sudanian transition zone, with biodiversity shaped by a marked wet and dry season. The system functions as a critical habitat for fauna adapted to fluctuating water availability and ranging conditions.

Biodiversity within the complex includes large mammals such as elephants, African buffalo, hippopotamuses, and various antelope species. The area also hosts predators and a diverse assemblage of birds, contributing to high overall biodiversity for the West African region. The WAP serves as an important refuge for wildlife and as a research and ecotourism asset.

Conservation and governance are carried out through cross-border management and cooperation among Benin, Burkina Faso, and Niger, often with support from international organizations. The site is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting its global ecological significance and the need for sustained protection, anti-poaching efforts, and community involvement.

Threats include poaching, habitat degradation, mining pressures, and regional instability. Ongoing efforts focus on strengthening governance, funding, and sustainable tourism to preserve the ecosystem and its key species for future generations.