Bandingilo National Park

Bandingilo National Park
IUCN category II (national park)
Map showing the location of Bandingilo National Park
Location Equatoria, South Sudan
Nearest city Juba
Coordinates 5°25′58″N 32°16′39″E / 5.43278°N 32.27750°E / 5.43278; 32.27750Coordinates: 5°25′58″N 32°16′39″E / 5.43278°N 32.27750°E / 5.43278; 32.27750
Area 10,000 square kilometres (3,900 sq mi)
Established 1992

The Bandingilo National Park, sometimes spelled Badingilo, is located in South Sudan's Equatoria region, within the states of Central Equatoria and Eastern Equatoria. It was established in 1992.[1] Situated in a wooded area near the White Nile River, it is over 10,000 square kilometres (3,900 sq mi) in size.[2]

Earth's second-largest annual animal migration (largest is the Serengeti migration), involving multiple species of antelope including reedbuck, tiang, and white-eared kob, takes place in the park, which is also home to iconic African megafauna like the Nubian giraffe.[2] It also contains large marshlands stretching up into Jonglei state.[3] Predators like the African wild dogs, Sudan cheetahs, caracals, Masai lions and spotted hyenas are also living in the national park. The park supports large bird populations. Though a major wildlife preserve, the park lies within a Total oil concession, potentially exposing it to surveying and drilling.[2]

On 6 July 2011, three days before South Sudan formally seceded from Sudan, an administrative headquarters was officially opened at a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Central Equatoria Governor Clement Wani and USAID's Sudan director William Hammink. Due to South Sudan's intense poverty and a lack of facilities, something the new administrative center is part of plans to alleviate, Bandingilo is one of the least touristed national parks in the world.[2]

See also

References

  1. ↑ National Parks of Sudan
  2. 1 2 3 4 "South Sudan's wild hope for the future". France24. 8 July 2011. Retrieved 22 July 2011.
  3. ↑ Southern Sudan - Wildlife Conservation Society
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