Southern National Park

The Southern National Park is a national park in South Sudan. It was set aside for protection in 1939, making it one of the older parks in the country. The park covers a very large area of 23,000 km², which means it has plenty of space for many different animals and plants to live. This park is important because it helps keep the natural environment safe and gives people a place to learn about wildlife and nature.

History

In 1950, the Southern National Park covered a large area of 7,800 square miles (20,000 km²). Three rivers helped shape the park. The Sue River flowed to the west and joined the Nile. The Gel River was to the east, and the Ibba River ran through the center. These rivers created a wet, swampy area in the park.

Flora & fauna

Southern National Park is home to many different kinds of plants and animals. The park has areas with bushveld, true rainforest, and forests that grow in special soil called laterite. During the rainy season, large grasslands grow, reaching up to about 15 feet tall. The soil is mostly whitish clay, with some sandy valleys. Not many people live there, and it is not a busy place for tourists. Those who do live nearby often hunt, fish, and collect honey.

The park’s rivers are home to many fish, including a special eel-like fish called aba, tilapia, Nile bichir, lung fish, catfish, and even a few crocodiles. The park also has many large mammals such as giant eland, waterbuck, kob, hartebeest, African buffalo, Kordofan giraffe, oribi, lion, and colobus monkeys. Birds like marabou storks and pelicans can also be found in some parts of the park.