Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary

Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary
LocationSenegal
Coordinates16°27′N 16°12′W / 16.450°N 16.200°W / 16.450; -16.200
Area160 km2
Established14 April 1971
TypeNatural
Criteriavii, x
Designated1981 (5th session)
Reference no.25
RegionAfrica
Endangered1984–1988; 2000–2006
Official nameParc National des Oiseaux du Djoudj
Designated11 July 1977
Reference no.138

The Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary (French: Parc national des oiseaux du Djoudj, [d͡ʒud͡ʒ]) lies on the southeast bank of the Senegal River in Senegal, in northern Biffeche, north east of St-Louis.

It provides a variety of wetland habitats which prove very popular with migrating birds, many of which have just crossed the Sahara. Of almost 400 species of birds, the most visible are pelicans and flamingos. Less conspicuous are the aquatic warblers migrating there from Europe; for these, the park is the single most important wintering site yet discovered. A wide range of wildlife also inhabits the park, which is designated a World Heritage Site. The site was added to the list of World Heritage in Danger in 1984 due to the introduction of the invasive giant salvinia plant, which threatens to choke out the park's native vegetation. However it was removed from the list in 2006.