The Site consists of nine gazetted forests that follow both sides of the Mouhoun River in the Central West region of the country. The forests constitute a reservoir of plant biodiversity; among the predominant trees are Parkia biglobosa, Lannea microcarpa, and the vulnerable Vitellaria paradoxa and Khaya senegalensis, which are threatened globally and nationally. Local communities use the fibres, wood and tannins of some of these plants to dress masks and to make their hairstyles. The forest corridor provides refuge for a rich and diversified range of animal species, including African elephant, hippopotamus, roan antelope (Hippotragus equinus koba) and waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus). Some of these species are essential to the survival of local populations as sources of protein, and for health-related and cultural values. The area is experiencing fairly aggressive erosion which affects its capacity to store water for exploitation during the dry season.