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Ecological
Senegal is a country, very much in tune with its environment and the overriding
need to protect it. The country symbolizes this orientation through its
choice of a BOABAB tree as its national symbol. The countryís topography
consists of desert like regions to the north and tropical regions in the
south. The less populated eastern regions of the country are home to a variety
of faunas including lions, cheetahs, water buffalo and elephants. Hippopotamuses
and crocodiles can be found in the rivers. The NIOKOLO-KOBA National Park,
one of the greatest reserves for large mammals in West Africa stretches
over two geographically zones: the Soudanese savanna and the Guinea forest.
84 species of mammals and 305 species of birds live in the park today.
Senegal is a haven for bird lovers and watchers. DJOUDJ National Park, which
lies on the southern edge of the Sahara. The park, an oasis of tranquility
and its stretch of 40,000 acres of water bodies makes it a gathering, nest
building and breeding ground for over 3 million birds. SALOUM DELTA National
Park, another paradise for birds, is a truly natural aviary where you can
find Pelicans, Marabou-storks and Flamingos. Other parks of notable mention
are the Langue de Barbarie National Park, Madeleine National Park and the
Lower Casamance National Park.
One of the ecological wonders of Senegal is RETBA, (The Rose or Pink Lake)
located on the road to CAYAR. This magical stretch of water turns from pink
to purple depending on the time of the day and has unusual floating capabilities.
(Picture of the Pink Lake) The Casamance region, a rich mosaic of tropical
essence consisting of forests, savanna bush, imposing Baobab trees, mangroves
with multiple roots and glittering flame trees. Lush color and fragrance
is added to the landscape through the presence of glistening bourgainvilleas
and eucalyptus trees. One of the unique sights within this varied folio
is the Kapok tree with its twisted trunk, which is 2 meters in diameter.
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