Mongabay · Natuur

South Sudan's Boma and Badingilo National Parks Gain World Heritage Status, Highlighting Avian Importance

South Sudan's Boma and Badingilo national parks, renowned for their vast antelope migrations, have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This recognition aims to boost conservation efforts for the region's rich biodiversity, with a particular focus on its significant bird populations, including migratory species.

While known for large antelope herds, Boma and Badingilo national parks are crucial habitats for both resident and migratory birds. The designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July is expected to attract conservation support.

The onset of rains in South Sudan around April triggers a remarkable avian spectacle, with vast flocks of storks and other birds congregating. These include African openbills and Abdim’s storks, which move across Africa seasonally.

The parks and surrounding areas form a large, interconnected ecosystem of wetlands, swamps, woodlands, and plains, supporting an estimated 6 million antelopes. The UNESCO listing is hoped to increase the profile of the area and encourage conservation investment, benefiting migratory birds.

Research indicates that Abdim’s storks use South Sudan as a staging area on their northward journey to breeding sites in the Sahel, though the origins of African openbills remain a mystery requiring further research. The Sudd, a large wetland near the parks, is recognized for its intact floodplains and swamps, supporting around 470 bird species.

Charismatic species like the vulnerable shoebill are found in healthy numbers in South Sudan, including in the Goum swamp and Gambella National Park. Migratory birds such as woodland kingfishers also arrive in April, following the intertropical convergence zone for seasonal rains and abundant food.

Tracking studies show woodland kingfishers from South Africa travel over 4,000 km to South Sudan and back. Conservationists plan further research, including satellite tracking of cranes, to understand how migratory birds utilize this landscape and to fill knowledge gaps. The designation of Boma-Badingilo as a World Heritage Site is seen as critical for conserving these large, contiguous landscapes essential for mobile species like birds.

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