Benin has a rich animal biodiversity belonging to all major zoological groups.
This chapter brings together the information available at the national level on the biodiversity of insects, fish, amphibians, amphibians,
reptiles (crocodiles, monitor lizards, tortoises), birds, wild terrestrial mammals (elephant, buffalo, hippopotamus, antelopes, antelopes,
antelopes, antelopes, antelopes, antelopes, antelopes, lions, primates, primates, small carnivores, small
carnivores, rodents, bats), aquatic mammals (cetaceans) and domestic mammals (small ruminants).
The large mammalian wildlife is almost confined to protected
areas located mostly in the northern part of Benin. Surveys and
studies of aquatic mammals, in particular the study of cetaceans, are more recent
compared to the other major groups treated here. This testifies to the great wealth
of animal diversity in Benin and calls for more prospecting efforts for a better knowledge of taxa that is not
yet well known, and if possible the discovery of new species. The conservation status of the
species as well as the efforts under way or to be considered for the sustainable management of this
animal heritage are taken into account in this document.