Air and Ténéré Natural Reserves
This site is inscribed on the List of World Heritage in Danger.
Overview
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.
About Air and Ténéré Natural Reserves
The Aïr Mountains or Aïr Massif is a triangular massif, located in northern Niger, within the Sahara. Part of the West Saharan montane xeric woodlands ecoregion, they rise to more than 1,800 m (5,900 ft) and extend over 84,000 km2 (32,000 sq mi). Lying in the midst of desert north of the 17th parallel, the Aïr plateau, with an average altitude between 500 and 900 m, forms an island of Sahel climate which supports a wide variety of life, many pastoral and farming communities, and dramatic geological and archaeological sites. There are notable archaeological excavations in the region that illustrate the prehistoric past of this region. The endangered African wild dog once existed in this region, but may now be extirpated due to human population pressures in this region.
Read more on WikipediaSelection Criteria
(vii)(ix)(x)
Components(1 location)
Details
- Countries
- Niger
- ISO Codes
- NE
- Area
- 7,736,000 ha
- Coordinates
- 19.0762, 9.6620
Stay Nearby
Air and Ténéré Natural Reserves
Attractions & Tickets
Air and Ténéré Natural Reserves
Getting Here
Air and Ténéré Natural Reserves