Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary

World Heritage Research

Discover scientific research and academic studies that deepen our understanding of Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary from its history and significance to its conservation, management, and contemporary challenges.

• Remote sensing and GPS tracking reveal temporal shifts in habitat use in nonbreeding Black‐tailed Godwits

  Black-tailed Godwits (Limosa limosa limosa) exhibit distinct seasonal shifts in habitat use within the Senegal Delta, crucial for their nonbreeding cycle. During the wet season, they rely heavily on natural wetlands and newly planted rice fields, while mature rice crops become less suitable as they densify. As floodwaters recede, godwits transition to protected areas like Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary (Senegal) and Diawling National Park (Mauritania), favoring wetlands with fewer invasive plants during the dry season. This study used GPS tracking and continuous-time stochastic-process movement models on 22 tagged godwits from 2022–2023, combined with satellite imagery to map habitat types. Findings highlight the dynamic importance of both natural and agricultural wetlands, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts targeting invasive plant eradication in protected areas and agroecological management in rice fields.

  Craft, T. B., Piersma, T., Hooijmeijer, J. C. E. W., Zhu, B.-R., D’Souza, M., O’Reilly, E., Fokkema, R. W., Stessens, M., Belting, H., Marlow, C., Ludwig, J., Melter, J., Alves, J. A., Esteban‐Pineda, A., Gutiérrez, J. S., Masero, J. A., Rocha, A. D., Dreef, C., & Howison, R. A. (2024). Remote sensing and GPS tracking reveal temporal shifts in habitat use in nonbreeding Black‐tailed Godwits. Journal of Applied Ecology, 62(1), 119–131. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2664.14827

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• Spatio-temporal variations of the LUCC of the Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary in the past 40 years and its sustainable development

  Over the past four decades, Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary—a critical stopover for migratory birds along the East Atlantic Flyway—has experienced dramatic shifts in land use and cover (LUCC) driven by climate change and human activities. Research using multitemporal satellite data reveals two distinct phases of significant transformation: 1984–1990, when soil and saline lands converted to wetlands, water bodies, and vegetation, and 2000–2010, marked by a surge in invasive plant coverage (54.02%) while water bodies and wetlands declined. Agricultural expansion around the site, exacerbated by upstream dam construction, has further threatened the sanctuary’s ecosystem, leading to its twice listing as a World Heritage in Danger due to declining bird populations. The study underscores the urgent need for integrated monitoring and regulatory measures to mitigate human impacts on this vital habitat.

  Xia, Y., & Fu, B. (2024). Spatio-temporal variations of the LUCC of the Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary in the past 40 years and its sustainable development. International Journal of Geoheritage and Parks, 12(4), 636–648. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijgeop.2024.11.004

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• Intercontinental Spread of Eurasian Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) to Senegal

  In January 2021, Senegal detected the spread of Eurasian highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) to its territory, marking a significant intercontinental jump from Europe. The virus was identified on a poultry farm in Thies and in great white pelicans within the Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary. This study provides evidence for the transcontinental movement of H5N1, highlighting the role of migratory birds in viral dissemination across continents. Researchers analyzed samples to trace the virus's origin and spread, emphasizing the need for enhanced surveillance and control measures at World Heritage Sites like Djoudj to mitigate risks associated with avian influenza.

  Lo, F. T., Zecchin, B., Diallo, A. A., Racky, O., Tassoni, L., Diop, A., Diouf, M., Diouf, M., Samb, Y. N., Pastori, A., Gobbo, F., Ellero, F., Diop, M., Lo, M. M., Diouf, M. N., Fall, M., Ndiaye, A. A., Gaye, A. M., Badiane, M., et al. (2022). Intercontinental Spread of Eurasian Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) to Senegal. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 28(1), 234–237. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2801.211401

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• Conservation of World Heritage and community engagement in a transboundary biosphere reserve: Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary, Senegal

  Effective conservation of the Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary, a UNESCO-listed transboundary biosphere reserve, hinges on robust community engagement and sustainable management practices. This study demonstrates that integrating local communities into conservation efforts enhances biodiversity protection while fostering socio-economic benefits. Researchers employed a mixed-methods approach, combining participatory rural appraisal techniques with ecological assessments to evaluate the impact of community-based conservation strategies. The findings highlight the significance of transboundary collaboration in addressing challenges such as habitat degradation and illegal poaching. By involving local stakeholders in decision-making processes, the study underscores the potential for long-term sustainability and resilience in protected areas.

  Hay-Edie, T., Mbaye, K., & Sow, M. S. (2012). Conservation of World Heritage and community engagement in a transboundary biosphere reserve: Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary, Senegal. World Heritage, 7–17. https://doi.org/10.1017/cbo9781139567657.004

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