Benin, a country in West Africa, boasts a remarkable level of biodiversity despite covering only a small fraction of the world’s land area. This nation features a variety of ecosystems, from the lush coastal wetlands and sandy shores in the south to the rich savannas and rugged highlands in the north. The country is home to several important wildlife species, including elephants, lions, and a variety of antelope, which roam the expansive wildlife parks like Pendjari National Park, one of the most biodiverse areas in West Africa.

Benin also hosts a plethora of bird species, making it a vital area for avian biodiversity. The coastal and riverine environments provide critical habitats for migratory and resident bird populations, contributing to the ecological richness of the country. The varied climates from north to south allow a wide range of species to thrive, from tropical forest dwellers in the humid south to species adapted to the arid conditions of the Sahel in the north.

	Score	Rank	Change
Total Score – NCI 2024	47.2	169	N/A
Land Management	50	111	N/A
Protected Areas (Terrestrial)	78	56	N/A
Ecological Representativeness of Terrestrial Protected Areas	40	117	N/A
Connectedness of Terrestrial Protected Areas	68	33	N/A
Protected Areas (Marine)	0	117	N/A
Pristine Habitat (Converted Land)	92	133	N/A
Sustainable Nitrogen Management (Soil Pollution)	54	32	N/A
Sustainable Pesticide Use	19	109	N/A
Threats to Biodiversity	56	140	N/A
Threatened Species (Terrestrial)	94	13	N/A
Threatened Species (Marine)	37	134	N/A
Threatened Species’ Coverage by Protected Areas	70	142	N/A
Species Coverage by Marine Protected Areas	0	134	N/A
Species with Declining Populations (Terrestrial)	46	25	N/A
Species with Declining Populations (Marine)	0	10	N/A
Depleted Fisheries
Fishery Pressure in the High Seas	100	14	N/A
Invasive Species Pressure	100	1	N/A
Capacity and Governance	60	113	N/A
Total Management Cost	97	76	N/A
Conservation Culturomics	28	148	N/A
Conservation Legislation	44	57	N/A
Ratification of CBD	100	1	N/A
Ratification of CITES	100	1	N/A
Political Stability and Absence of Violence	50	63	N/A
Control of Corruption	48	78	N/A
Government Effectiveness	48	84	N/A
Future Trends	23	170	N/A
Climate Change Mitigation	23	170	N/A

Four pillars elaborated:

Land Management

To safeguard Benin’s biodiversity, the nation has established diverse nature reserves and conservation initiatives aimed at preserving endangered species and their habitats. Notably, the W National Park stands out as a transboundary reserve shared with Niger and Burkina Faso, covering 563,280 hectares (5,633 km²) within Benin. Part of the W-Arly-Pendjari Complex, it hosts a rich array of flora and fauna, including over 500 plant species and a diverse mammalian population of 70 species, alongside more than 112 fish species.

Similarly, the Pendjari National Park, spanning 275,500 hectares (2,755 km²) in the northwest, forms part of the same complex and boasts scenic landscapes, earning recognition as a MAB Biosphere Reserve and a vital wetland area. Housing various threatened species like hippopotamuses and crocodiles, Pendjari is renowned for its biodiversity. Additionally, Benin’s sacred forests, covering 18,360 hectares (1,837 km²), serve as biodiversity hotspots, acting as sanctuaries for numerous species and gene banks. Managed through cultural traditions and strict regulations, efforts are underway to integrate these sacred sites into the protected area system through collaborative management methods merging indigenous wisdom with contemporary science.

Threats to Biodiversity

Identified catalysts of change encompass habitat degradation, climate variability, wildlife poaching, agricultural expansion, unlawful fishing practices, excessive exploitation of land and water resources, mangrove depletion, lagoon sand extraction, and transhumance—the movement of herders towards coastal areas due to climate shifts and land use changes, leading to resource overuse during their migration.

Additional factors include population growth, influx of migrants, failure to adhere to forestry regulations, ineffective agricultural policies, land ownership issues, urban expansion, and pollution. While a comprehensive assessment of invasive alien species is pending, Chromolaena odorata and Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth) are currently recognized as significant challenges.

Capacity and Governance

Benin has taken significant steps towards environmental conservation and sustainable development through the adoption of policies and laws aligned with national development strategies, such as the Forest Policy to 2025 and legislation addressing the exploitation of forest and fauna resources. Despite these efforts, enforcement of these measures remains a challenge. While the integration of the ‘Green Economy’ concept into development policies is still evolving, the Ministry of Finance has considered sustainable development pillars in growth and poverty reduction strategies.

Benin has also focused on poverty reduction, sustainable development, and good governance through programs like the National Programme of Action (CPAP 2009-2013). Decentralization reforms in 2003 have increased civil society participation in natural resource management. Efforts to engage local communities in sustainable fuelwood markets and eco-tourism initiatives, led by NGOs like “EcoBénin,” highlight collaborative approaches to biodiversity conservation and economic development. Additionally, actions to address climate change impacts, including participation in UNFCCC and UN-REDD programs, demonstrate Benin’s commitment to environmental resilience.

Future Trends

Benin is confronting challenges related to deforestation and the degradation of its primary forests, yet remains committed to forging a sustainable path forward. This dedication is evident in strategic documents such as the Aichi Biodiversity Target 11 Country Dossier and the 2022-2027 Benin Strategic Framework, which prioritize biodiversity protection, habitat restoration, and sustainable land management. Central to Benin’s biodiversity strategy is the imperative to secure sufficient funding. To this end, the nation is exploring diverse funding mechanisms, including public-private partnerships and innovative financial tools, to sustain its conservation initiatives for the long term.

Biodiversity

Benin’s forest ecosystems, including tropical and gallery forests, are rich in biodiversity. The country’s southern regions, particularly around the Ouémé and Mono river basins, feature dense forests home to various plant and animal species. Notable protected areas include the Lama Forest Reserve, which supports primates like the red-bellied monkey and various bird species. The Atakora Mountains in the northwest also harbor significant biodiversity, including endemic plant species and unique wildlife adapted to the montane environment.

Savannas and grasslands dominate the northern and central regions of Benin. These ecosystems are characterized by a mix of grasses and scattered trees, such as acacias and baobabs. The savannas support a variety of wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and warthogs. Pendjari National Park, part of the larger W-Arly-Pendjari (WAP) complex shared with Burkina Faso and Niger, is one of the most important protected areas in West Africa. This park is home to key species like lions, cheetahs, and hippos and is renowned for its large elephant population and diverse birdlife.

In the table below are the number of known species in several main groups, how many of these species are Threatened with extinction, and how many of them are Endemic (unique to Benin only):