TİKA Supports Natural Life in Niger

Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) has implemented various projects in Niger to provide shelter and food to “Camelopardalis Peralta,” an endangered giraffe species and a universal heritage, in order to increase its population size and ensure its survival.

TİKA has carried out several activities that will directly affect “Camelopardalis peralta,” an endangered giraffe species and a universal heritage, in order to increase its population size and ensure its survival by protecting these giraffes and improving their habitats.

As part of these activities, two observation towers built to directly monitor and protect the giraffes were repaired, and two new observation towers were built in two strategic locations. In addition, a water well and a water tank were built to feed the large pond that will meet the water needs of the giraffes in dry seasons, and new salt areas were created around nearly 10 ponds in the area to meet their salt needs. A guesthouse and the large bungalow through which visitors enter the park were also renovated.

“Camelopardalis Peralta”

The population of “Camelopardalis peralta,” one of the nine giraffe subspecies of Africa, was on the decline because their natural habitats are located only in Western Africa and these areas were opened to settlement due to drought, poverty, and the increase in the human population. However, its population increased to 600 in 2017 as a result of the activities carried out by Niger.

These giraffes can only live in the regions of Kouré, North Dallol Bosso, Fandou, Dingazi, Gaya, and Tahoua in Niger. This species, the population of which declined to 56 in 1996, is considered to be the most valuable of the nine giraffe subspecies of Africa due to its color, heat tolerance, physical strength, and size.