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 giraffe.[2] It also contains large marshlands stretching up into Jonglei state.[3] 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
Protected Areas of South Sudan |
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| National parks | |
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| Game reserves | |
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| Conservation Areas | |
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