World Heritage Identification Number: 573
World Heritage since: 1991
Category: Natural Heritage
Transboundary Heritage: No
Endangered Heritage: Yes
Country: 🇳🇪 Niger
Continent: Africa
UNESCO World Region: Africa
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Aïr and Ténéré Natural Reserves: An Oasis of Biodiversity in the Heart of the Sahara
The Aïr and Ténéré Natural Reserves, located in the West African nation of Niger, stand as a testament to the remarkable resilience and adaptability of life in the harsh environment of the Sahara Desert. Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991, this expansive protected area spans over 7.7 million hectares, making it the largest nature reserve in Africa. However, the region that enjoys the full protection of the reserve encompasses only one-sixth of the total area.
More to come…UNESCO Description of the World Heritage Site
This is the largest protected area in Africa, covering some 7.7 million ha, though the area considered a protected sanctuary constitutes only one-sixth of the total area. It includes the volcanic rock mass of the Aïr, a small Sahelian pocket, isolated as regards its climate and flora and fauna, and situated in the Saharan desert of Ténéré. The reserves boast an outstanding variety of landscapes, plant species and wild animals.
Encyclopedia Record: Aïr and Ténéré National Nature Reserve
The Aïr and Ténéré National Nature Reserve is a national nature reserve in Niger. It includes several overlapping reserve designations, and is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It covers both the eastern half of the Aïr Mountains and the western sections of the Ténéré desert.Additional Site Details
Area: 7,736,000 hectares
(ix) — Outstanding example representing ecological and biological processes
(x) — Contains most important habitats for biodiversity
Coordinates: 19.0761926358 , 9.6619999976
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Phuong Tran /Voice of America, Public domain
