Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Located in central Chad, Ouadi Rimé-Ouadi Achim Faunal Reserve covers approximately 31 million acres, making it one of the largest protected areas in Africa. The reserve is a crucial habitat for a variety of fauna, including the endangered Dama Gazelle, Scimitar-horned Oryx, and the Addax. It provides a sanctuary for migratory birds and supports a range of desert wildlife. Established in 1969, the reserve is significant not only for its biodiversity but also as a center for reintroduction programs that aim to restore populations of endangered species. The terrain is predominantly flat with seasonal watercourses known as 'ouadis,' which define the landscape. The region supports sparse vegetation including acacias and shrubs that are adapted to arid conditions. Eco-tourists and researchers are drawn to the reserve for wildlife viewing and studying its unique desert ecosystems.