Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary

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Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary: A Vital Haven for Avian Species

The Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981, stands as a testament to the rich biodiversity found within the Senegal River delta. This expansive wetland, spanning over 16,000 hectares, is a significant ecosystem that serves as a critical habitat for approximately 1.5 million birds.

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UNESCO Description of the World Heritage Site

Situated in the Senegal River delta, the Djoudj Sanctuary is a wetland of 16,000 ha, comprising a large lake surrounded by streams, ponds and backwaters. It forms a living but fragile sanctuary for some 1.5 million birds, such as the white pelican, the purple heron, the African spoonbill, the great egret and the cormorant.

UNESCO Justification of the World Heritage Site

Criterion (vii): By its location, Djoudj National Park is more than a haven for Palaearctic migratory birds. It is an oasis in the desert consisting of a chain of lakes, backwaters, fords and sandbanks. It is the first migration stopover after crossing the Sahara for species of Palaearctic and Afrotropical birds. It should be noted that due to technical improvements to upgrade the conditions of migration reception (building nest boxes), species began to breed. With the annual renovation of these improvements and efforts to control the hydraulic system, the number of migratory as well as nesting species is increasing.

Criterion (x): The property is a wetland of around 16,000 ha comprising a large lake surrounded by streams, ponds and backwaters. This habitat hosts more than 1.5 million birds of 365 species including over 120 species of Palaearctic migrants. The property is a vital sanctuary for nesting species such as the white pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus), the purple heron (Ardea purpurea), the African spoonbill (Platalea alba), the great egret (Casmerodius albus), the night heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) and the cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo). The property also contains large populations of crocodiles and manatees.

Encyclopedia Record: Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary

The Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary lies on the southeast bank of the Senegal River in Senegal, in northern Biffeche, north east of St-Louis.

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IUCN World Heritage Outlook

The 2025 Conservation Outlook on Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary reports the following assessment:

Source: International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) · View assessment