Vultures Tagged in Badingilo to Track Migration Routes

(JUBA) – 15 vultures have been fitted with tracking tags in Badingilo National Park, strengthening a research effort that now follows 27 birds across South Sudan and beyond. The operation, which wrapped up in May, covered three species: Ruppell’s, white headed and white backed vultures.

The work was led by African Parks in South Sudan, in partnership with the Endangered Wildlife Trust.

It marks the second phase of vulture research inside the Great Nile Migration Landscape, the vast area that connects Boma and Badingilo national parks.

Raptor specialists Dr Gareth Tate and Kyle Walter led the field teams, working alongside Conservation Manager Dr Megan Claase.

Tags placed in Boma National Park in 2024 have already delivered clear data. The birds breed in South Sudan and then travel to Kenya, Ethiopia and as far west as Chad.

Scientists say no serious threats to breeding populations have been found so far. This makes South Sudan a vital stronghold for vulture conservation across Africa.

The new tags will allow teams to study movement patterns more closely, monitor the health of habitats, and sharpen anti-poaching patrols.

Vultures are sensitive to changes in land use and poison baits, making them useful indicators of wider ecological stress. The data feeds directly into longer range conservation planning for the whole Boma Badingilo landscape.

African Parks described the operation as a success. The group thanked donors and partners inside the country for making the work possible. It said the growing network of tagged birds is turning South Sudan into a key source of knowledge for vulture protection on the continent.