National parks of Ivory Coast
For many decades, ivory was one of the most important export goods of Ivory Coast. The country, which celebrated its 50th anniversary of independence in 2010, has long since ceased the trade and made a major contribution to the protection of the local flora and…
Eight national parks are located in Ivory Coast, two of which have even been declared UNESCO World Natural Heritage sites.
The Taï National Park
The Taï National Park is located in the southwest of the country; the area was already a protected area for animals during the times of the French colonial rulers. In 1972, the government of Ivory Coast declared it a national park, and ten years later it became part of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage.
One of the last tropical rainforests in the entire West African region is located in this area; the weather is very humid and rainy. Highly endangered animal species live here under constant protection from poachers. The rare pygmy hippopotamus lives here, as do bongos, buffaloes and several species of monkeys. A chimpanzee research station has been collecting information about the lifestyle of primates since its foundation. The research station also serves as a starting point for guided tours through the dense rainforest.
The Comoé National Park
In the opposite part of Ivory Coast lies the second national park that is part of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage: the Comoé National Park. Named after the Comoé River, this park, with an area of 11,500 km², is the largest national park in West Africa.
Along the river and its tributaries, gallery forests shape the landscape; however, more than 80 percent of the area consists of savannah. Most of the year is characterized by dry and warm climate; during the rainy seasons in April and August, the appearance of the savannah changes. Plants come to life and serve as food for the diverse fauna in the Comoé National Park.
Wild predators such as leopards and occasionally also lions roam the savannah in search of food. Various species of monkeys live in the gallery forests; otherwise, large herds of antelopes, oribis and waterbucks shape the image in the park.
Other National Parks
The Banco National Park has existed for almost 60 years, making it the oldest national park in the whole of Ivory Coast. It is located near the former capital Abidjan in a dense primeval forest and is only 30 km² in size. There are few areas in the country where real mahogany still grows. A few chimpanzees roam the park, which has been completely opened to the public. It serves as a recreational area for the locals; a well-developed network of paths leads through the national park.
The Marahoué National Park is located in the center of the country. Due to poachers and slash-and-burn agriculture, the flora and fauna are severely endangered; for several years, helpers from all over the world have been working to save the park. Initial successes have already been achieved. The populations of monkeys, buffaloes and bongos have slightly recovered in the park, whose typical landscape consists of dense forests and scrubland.
