Yankari Game Reserve is a large wildlife park and was once a National Park located in the south-central part of Bauchi State, in northeastern Nigeria. It covers an area of about 2,244 km (866 sq mi) and has natural warm water springs, as well as many types of plants and animals. Its location in the central part of the West African savanna makes it a special place for visitors to see wildlife in its natural environment. Yankari was established as a game reserve in 1956, but became Nigeria's largest national park in 1991. It is the most visited place for tourists in Nigeria and is very important for promoting tourism and ecotourism in the country. It is also a well-known eco-destination in West Africa.

History

The open country and villages around Yankari National Park are home to farmers and herders. However, there have been no human settlements inside the park for more than 100 years. Signs that people lived there before include old iron smelting sites and caves. The furnaces used for smelting have been damaged over many years by weather, but more than 50 still stood in the Delimiri and Ampara area by the late 1990s.

In 1934, the Northern Regional Committee suggested to the Executive Council that a pilot game reserve be created in the Bauchi Emirate. This idea was supported by Alhaji Muhammadu Ngeleruma, a minister in the former northern Nigeria Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources. During a trip to East Africa, he visited a Sudanese game reserve and was impressed. After returning, he encouraged the plan to create a similar reserve in Nigeria.

In 1956, the Northern Nigeria Government agreed to the plan to create a Game Preservation area. Yankari was chosen as a place in the south of what was then Bauchi Province because it had many wild animals living naturally and could be protected. In 1957, a Game Preservation area was set aside and named a Bauchi Native Authority Forest Reserve.

Yankari became an important game reserve for the public on December 1, 1962. Since then, the Northern Eastern State Government and later the Bauchi State Government managed the Yankari Game Reserve. Today, the park is managed by the Federal Government of Nigeria through the National Park Service.

In 1991, Yankari became a National Park by decree 36 of the National Government. In the late 1900s, park managers started a project to protect archaeological sites within the park to help promote heritage tourism.

In 2006, Yankari no longer had the status of a National Park because of a request from the Bauchi State Government.

Wildlife

Yankari Game Reserve is a protected area that provides a safe home for more than 50 types of mammals, such as African bush elephants, olive baboons, patas monkeys, Tantalus monkeys, roan antelope, hartebeest, lions, African buffalo, waterbuck, bushbuck, and hippos. The lion population in the reserve is close to disappearing. Over 350 bird species live in the park. Of these, 130 are permanent residents, 50 migrate from Europe and Asia, and the rest travel within Nigeria. Examples of these birds include the saddle-billed stork, helmeted guineafowl, African grey hornbill, and cattle egret.

Since 2005, Yankari Game Reserve has been part of a Lion Conservation Unit along with Kainji National Park.

Climate

Between May and September, the rainy season occurs. Temperatures during this time range from 18°C to 35°C. During the dry season, the harmattan wind blows from the Sahara Desert, often causing dusty skies, and nighttime temperatures can drop as low as 12°C (53°F). The hottest months are March and April, when daytime temperatures can exceed 40°C (104°F).

The entire park is built on the Kerri Formation, which was formed during the Tertiary period. This formation is composed of sandstone, siltstone, kaolinite, and grit. Beneath this layer is the Gombe development, formed during the Cretaceous period, made of sandstone, sedimentary rock, and ironstone. The valleys of the Gaji, Yashi, and Yuli Streams are filled with alluvium from a later time period. Sandy areas and clayey soils from river deposits are found in the valleys of the Gaji, Yashi, and Yuli Streams. East of the Gaji valley is a 5-7 km wide area of very poor sandy soil that supports a bush savanna ecosystem.

Kalban Slope — meaning "level spot" — is a gently sloping area that offers visitors a full view of the recreation area.

Kariyo Slope — located near the Marshal caves — is a nice place for picnics and barbecues.

Paliyaram Slope — a well-known camp for poachers — is located 10 km from Wikki.

Tonlong Canyon — a beautiful canyon with connected slopes, buttes, and ledges — is located in the western part of the recreation area.