Named after the ethnic group of the Ehotilés, the oldest inhabitants of eastern Côte d'Ivoire and the first owners of the land of Assinia, which they lost to the Essoumas, the Ehotilé Islands National Park is a group of six islands scattered across the Aby Lagoon, not far from the mouth where the lagoon meets the sea. These include Coconut Fields Island, Assokomonobaha or Assoko (327.5 ha), the Island of the Botanical Trails, Balouhaté (75 ha), the Island of the Bats, Nyaouman (47.5 ha), the Island of the Kings' Cemetery, Meha (45 ha), the Island of the Birds, Elouamin (22.5 ha), and Bossoun-Assoun (32.5 ha), the Sacred Island of the Protective Geniuses. The park's riverside population is divided among 21 villages living mainly from fishing, as evidenced by the many stakes planted in the lagoon to secure the nets, which also serve as perches for fishing birds. With a total surface area of 720 hectares, it has been classified as a national park since 1974, a wetland of international Ramsar importance since 2005 and on the UNESCO indicative list since 2006. The vegetation of the islands is mainly mangrove mangroves on the periphery and along the channels, and often very dense undergrowth in the centre of the larger ones. The park is home to a remarkably diverse fauna. In particular, 128 species of birds have been counted, divided into 35 families, mostly aquatic species, to which are added, in the dry season, migratory species. There are also mammals such as rodents, duikers, bushpigs, primates, as well as reptiles, fish and crustaceans. Two species which make the originality of the place: rare manatees (very representative of the Ivorian lagoons, although today highly threatened with extinction) and, housed on Balouaté Island, a large colony of bats of the Palm Tree Bat species, which are of great importance to the local populations, who consider them as incarnations of the disappeared relatives. In addition to its natural wonders, the Ehotilé Islands are also home to important archaeological remains, including canons dating from the 17th century (on Balouaté). The park is unfortunately the object of clandestine activities such as the felling of mangrove wood (reputed to be excellent for smoking fish) and poaching.

What to visit Parc National Des Îles Ehotiles?

Weather at the moment

Loading...
Organize your trip with our partners Parc National Des Îles Ehotiles
Transportation
Accommodation & stays
Services / On site

Find unique Stay Offers with our Partners

Pictures and images Parc National Des Îles Ehotiles

There are currently no photos for this destination.

Send a reply