Inner Niger Delta flooded savanna

AT0903 Afrotropic Flooded Grasslands & Savannas 45868 km²

The Inner Niger Delta flooded savanna is a flooded grasslands and savannas ecoregion located in the Afrotropic biogeographic realm, covering sub-Saharan Africa and the southern Arabian Peninsula, spanning approximately 45,868 km². Classified under the WWF ecoregion code AT0903, this region represents a distinct ecological community shaped by its unique combination of climate, geography, and evolutionary history.

Climate and Vegetation

This ecoregion experiences seasonal flooding with waterlogged soils for significant portions of the year. The dominant vegetation consists of grasses and sedges adapted to periodic inundation. These conditions create the foundation for the ecological communities found within the Inner Niger Delta flooded savanna.

Ecological Significance

These wetland ecosystems are critical for waterbirds, fish, and amphibians, serving as nursery habitats and seasonal migration stopover points. The Inner Niger Delta flooded savanna contributes to the broader biodiversity patterns of the Afrotropic realm.

Geographic Distribution

The Inner Niger Delta flooded savanna extends entirely within Mali. This geographic range places it within the Afrotropic realm, one of the eight major biogeographic divisions of the world.

Notable Species

The Inner Niger Delta flooded savanna supports a range of wildlife, including American Wainscot (Mythimna unipuncta), Angel'S Trumpet (Datura innoxia), Angel's-trumpets (Datura ferox), Anil de pasto (Indigofera suffruticosa), Aroma (Dichrostachys cinerea), attoto yam (Dioscorea cayenensis), Awnless Barnyard Grass (Echinochloa colonum), Barbados nut (Jatropha curcas), and 42 more species.

Conservation

Like many flooded grasslands and savannas ecosystems, the Inner Niger Delta flooded savanna faces threats from dam construction, drainage for agriculture, water diversion, and pollution. Conservation efforts in this ecoregion focus on habitat preservation, sustainable land management, and protecting corridors that connect fragmented habitat patches.