Chad

The Republic of Chad, a landlocked country at the meeting point of North and Central Africa. Chad is made up of several regions: a desert belt in the north, an arid Sahelian belt in the middle, and a Sudan savannah belt in the south. The second largest wetland in Africa, Lake Chad, from which the country takes its name. Chad's wildlife includes the Bush Elephant, West African Lion, African Buffalo, hippo, Kordofan Giraffes, antelopes, African Leopards, cheetahs, hyenas and several species of snake. Unfortunately, the populations of most large carnivores have declined drastically since the early 20th century. Poaching of elephants, especially in the south of the country, such as in Zakouma National Park, is a serious problem. Chad has 2288 plant species of which 55 are endemic. There are around 134 species of mammals and 532 species of birds in Chad. Of these birds, 354 are resident and 155 are migratory. Zakouma National Park is an essential habitat in the country, where most large mammals are found. Scimitar Horned Oryx are found in significant numbers in the Chadian reserves, especially in the Ouadi Rime Ouadi Achin Faunal Reserve. Large populations of Addax and Dama Gazelle are also reported to occur in this reserve. Species such as the Red-Fronted Gazelle, Dorcas Gazelle, Patas Monkey, Striped Hyena, Sudan Cheetah, Caracal and Chadian Wild Dog, African Elephant and otter are also found. Lake Chad is home to crocodiles and hippos, as well as birds, and is an important destination for many migratory bird species.