Brief Description
This is the largest protected area in Africa, covering some 7.7 million ha, though the area considered a protected sanctuary constitutes only one-sixth of the total area. It includes the volcanic rock mass of the Aïr, a small Sahelian pocket, isolated as regards its climate and flora and fauna, and situated in the Saharan desert of Ténéré. The reserves boast an outstanding variety of landscapes, plant species and wild animals.

The region having recently suffered from military conflict and civil disturbance, the Government of Niger asked the Director- General of UNESCO to launch an appeal for the protection of the site, which was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1991. Six members of the Reserve staff were being held as hostages since February 1992 and, in compliance with the request of Niger's Permanent Delegation to UNESCO, the Committee decided to inscribe the site on the List of World Heritage in Danger.

Information courtesy of UNESCO WHC