The Bagré Dam, located in the northern Sudanian phytogeographic area, is composed of an artificial permanent freshwater lake and the irrigated lakeside land. The Site is very rich in biodiversity: it is home to trees and shrubs such as Lannea acida, Vitellaria paradoxa, Tamarindus indica, Khaya senegalensis, Acacia albida and Acacia gourmaensis, and to fish, amphibian, mollusc and aquatic reptile communities. The hippopotamus is the most notable species on the Site, with a total estimated number of 100 individuals. Their presence indirectly supports several valued species of fish in the lake, so they too are valued and protected. The Site is valuable not only for biodiversity conservation but also erosion control, sediment and nutrient retention, storm protection and groundwater replenishment. The stable waters of the lake enable numerous socio-economic and agricultural activities. Poor farming practices have led to soil erosion on the banks and resulting siltation.