Reversing the decline of threatened Saharan wildlife in the Aïr & Ténéré National Nature Reserve of Niger

The Aïr and Ténéré National Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, faces significant threats from past conflicts, poaching, deforestation, and gold mining, all of which endanger its rich biodiversity. Iconic species such as the Dama gazelle and Barbary sheep are particularly at risk. This project seeks to safeguard this critical habitat by mitigating threats, expanding ecological knowledge, and actively engaging local communities in conservation efforts, while also addressing their health and livelihood needs. However, major challenges persist, including security concerns, the remoteness of target areas, and limited resources to ensure long-term sustainability. This initiative is part of IUCN’s Save Our Species African Wildlife program, co-funded by the European Union.