Republic of Benin
Benin is home to Pendjari National Park, one of the last strongholds of the West African lion.
Flora and Fauna
Benin’s rich ecosystems range from coastal lagoons to savannas and forests, supporting diverse wildlife. The country is home to African buffalo, leopards, and hippos, while red-bellied monkeys and patas monkeys inhabit its forests. The Pendjari National Park, part of the larger W-Arly-Pendjari complex, is a key refuge for West African lions and elephants. Benin’s flora includes the African rosewood, valued for its timber, and the baobab tree, which plays an important role in local traditions. The shea tree, whose nuts produce shea butter, is also widely cultivated.
National Flora and Fauna
- The leopard (Panthera pardus) is Benin’s national animal.
- The Palm tree is Benin’s national tree.
Check out Benin's Postal History
Benin Stamps
Issued in 1978: Domestic Poultry - 10 franc, Turkeys.
Issued in 1978: Domestic Poultry - 20 franc, Ducks.
Issued in 1978: Domestic Poultry - 50 franc, Chickens.
Issued in 1978: Domestic Poultry - 60 franc, Guinea fowl.
Issued in 1995: Primates Series- 50 franc, Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes).
Issued in 1995: Primates Series -75 franc, Mandrill (Mandrillus sphinx).
Issued in 1995: Primates Series - 100 franc, Colobus.
Issued in 1995: Primates Series - 135 franc, Barbary ape (Macaca sylvanus).
Issued in 1996: Fishes Series - 75 franc, Surgeonfish (Acanthuridus sp.).
Issued in 1996: Fishes Series - 100 franc, Jack (Carangidae).
Issued in 1996: Fishes Series - 135 franc, Pyramid Butterflyfish (Hemitaurichthys polylepis).
Issued in 1996: Fishes Series - 200 franc, Raccoon butterflyfish (Chaetodon lunula).
Before 1975, the country issued stamps under the name Dahomey.
Issued in 1963: Postage Due Stamp - 1 franc, Panther.
Issued in 1963: Postage Due Stamp - 2 franc, Panther.
Issued in 1963: Postage Due Stamp - 5 franc, Panther.
Issued in 1965: Fishes Series - 50 franc, Atlantic Tripletail (Lobotes surinamensis).