The Banc d Arguin National Park which is a World Heritage Site, is a Natural Reserve too and was established in 1978. It is situated on the western coast of Mauritiana, between Nouadhibou and Nouakchott lying in Western Africa. The area covered by this Park is about 12,000 square kilometers. A noteworthy point is that this coastal area is one among the world’s richest wildlife. It was established to protect both the valuable fisheries and the natural resources, whose contribution to the national economy is of great significance.
For a wide range of migratory birds including pelicans, flamingos, broad-billed sandpipers and terns, the Banc d Arguin National Park is a major breeding site. The vast expanses of mudflats provide shelter for more than two million shorebirds migrating from Siberia, northern Europe and Greenland. The non-interference of man in their life busy life and the moderate climate of the region make the park, a favorite dwelling spot for these bird species. The great numbers of population of these nesting birds, ranging from 25,000 to 40,000 pairs of around 15 different species in this park also need special mention.
There are only about 500 or more Imraguen tribesmen constituting the local population that live in mere seven villages within the Banc d Arguin National Park. They rely on traditional methods of fishing which is their only possible source of income. Temperatures are moderate, ranging from mean maximums to the mean minimums. Rainfall is average occurring between July and September.
In Banc d Arguin, right from Cape Timris, which is the coastline’s only promontory, to the marshy area surrounding the Senegal River, there are occasional coastal dunes on which the vegetation is rare. However, large acacias, tamarisk bushes, swallowwort interspersed with high grass and spiny bushes are seen in the central part of the park. Animal life is rare as compared to the bird species. Banc d Arguin can be definitely said to be a splendid picnic spot!