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Climate, flora and fauna in the Falaise de Bandiagara The year in the Bandiagara region can be divided into four seasons: the dry and cold season from December to March, the dry and warm season from March to June, the rainy season from June to October and the harvest season from October to December. During the four months of the rainy season rainfall averages between 400 and 700 mm.[12] Temperatures vary from a mean of about 31°C in April and May to 24°C in January and February. The flora and fauna of the Bandiagara region are comparable to that of other regions of the West African savanna belt.[13] Baobab, acacia and tamarind trees are common. The baobab is utilised by the Dogon in many ways: the fruits are eaten, the leaves provide the basis for a sauce and the bark is used for making ropes. The diversity of the fauna in the Dogon area has diminished in recent decades. While at the beginning of the 20th century hyenas, panthers, lions, monkeys and crocodiles were common in the region, today few large animals are to be found. Some gazelles, antelopes, wild cats and jackals have survived, but because of intensive hunting many species have completely disappeared. The diversity in birds and reptiles has been preserved, and there are several other species of small animals. | |
