Niger River Delta

Niger River Delta is located in the semi arid Sahelian zone in Mali and primarily consists of lakes, channels, swaps and floodplain. The Niger River Delta, also known as Niger Inland Delta is an essential resource of subsistence for the people of Mali. During rainy season, Niger River Delta in Mali expands up to 20,000 Sq km of land and contracts to 3,900 Sq km in summer. The topography of Niger River Delta is a complex mixture of higher areas known as tougeres and submerged lower areas. The lakes, swamps and channels of the Niger River delta are a vital habitat for West African manatees and migratory Palearctic birds.

Niger River Delta of Mali boasts of diverse vegetation. The main types of plants found here are floating and submerged plants, grasses and trees. Niger River delta is a habitat of a varied kind of wetland birds. Some of the water birds that could be seen in the delta are ferruginous duck, garganey, pintail, white-winged tern, ruff, black-tailed godwit and so on. Niger River delta of Mali is one of the most important waterfowl breeding colonies in the world. It is the breeding ground of more that 80,000 pairs of birds consisting of 15 species of heron, cormorant, spoonbill and ibis. It is also considered as a breeding ground of endangered West African black-crowned crane. Mali Niger River delta boast of a rich fish fauna with 110 different species of fish found here.