Introduction
Kiang West National ParkTanji/Karinti Bird ReserveBao Bolon Wetland Reserve
Abuko Nature ReserveRiver Gambia National ParkNiumi National Park


Protected Areas in The Gambia
TANJI/KARINTI BIRD RESERVE

General Information
Established in 1993, Tanji Bird Reserve (in the area known locally as "Karinti") together with the Bijol Islands is situated along the Atlantic Coast, in the Western Division, Kombo North, about 30 minutes drive from the tourist development area. It encompasses the Tanji River and its estuary, incorporating mangrove, dry woodland and coastal dune scrub woodland. It has a total area of 612 ha. (6.12 km2). Along the seashore there are a series of lagoons, and offshore are the Bijol Islands which are an important site for breeding turtles and roosting birds.

Areas of Interest
Bald Cape is formed from a shallow reef of laterite rock which extends to the north-west reappearing at the Bijol Islands 1.5 km offshore. The Cape is backed by a lagoon which runs south in a broken chain as far as the village of Tanji. The lagoon system has developed from a combination of the outflow of the Tanji River and longshore drift accumulating sand deposits. It is a dynamic system and significant changes can result from a single flood or storm. The Cape and lagoons serve as feeding and roosting grounds for a large diversity of gulls, terns and waders.

The Tanji River rises near Yundum Airport 14 km to the east of Tanji. It is tidal for about 3 km inland where the banks are lined mainly with the stilt-rooted red mangrove (Rhizophora racemosa) and backed by the smaller white mangrove (Avicennia nitida) where the land is flooded only during spring tides. Behind the mangrove fringe there are salt flats, where the salinity is too high to support vegetation with the exception of a few hardy plants such as the succulent Sesuvium portulacastrum. As the land rises to the east the saline intrusion diminishes and the river takes on freshwater characteristics with water lilies and other aquatic herbs choking the water course during the rainy season.

Avi-fauna
Tanji Bird Reserve was established primarily for its ornithological importance which is evident from its current species list which totals 295 species from 61 different families, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. This large diversity of birds results from the range of habitats present combined with the location of Tanji on the coast of West Africa. For European migrants, Tanji is one of the first stop-offs and offers both a safe haven as well as good feeding opportunities. The offshore Bijol Islands are used as a roosting site by large numbers of gulls, terns, waders and pelicans, and the shallow surrounding reef offers good feeding opportunities also. Thirty four species of Raptor (birds of prey) have been recorded from the reserve which reflects the abundance and diversity of prey.

Fauna
An impressive range of terrestrial mammals also occurs in the area. They include red colobus, vervet and patas monkeys, genet, civet, hyena, porcupine and bushbuck. The surrounding waters are important feeding grounds for green turtle which breed on both the mainland and on the Bijol Islands. The internationally rare monk seal has also been seen there occasionally.


Introduction
Kiang West National ParkTanji/Karinti Bird ReserveBao Bolon Wetland Reserve
Abuko Nature ReserveRiver Gambia National ParkNiumi National Park