W-Arly-Pendjari Complex, Protected natural area in West Africa.
The W-Arly-Pendjari Complex is a transboundary conservation area spanning Burkina Faso and Benin, combining savannahs, dense woodlands, and open grasslands. The landscape supports a wide range of animals, from large mammals to countless bird species.
The complex was created to enable nature conservation across an international boundary, representing a shared commitment between two nations. Its establishment allowed wildlife corridors to function and protected habitats to function as a single ecosystem.
Local communities live within and around the area, practicing farming and fishing traditions that have adapted to the protected landscape over time. These activities shape how people interact with the land and forest on a daily basis.
The area can be entered through different gateways in both countries, with organized visits working best during the drier season. Plan your visit when rainfall is lighter and wildlife is easier to observe in the open landscape.
The complex links protected zones across national borders, allowing elephants and other large animals to move freely between territories. This cross-border movement is what makes these migrations possible and helps animals survive over the long term.
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