UNESCO/Toson-Khulstai Biosphere Reserve
Dinder
General information
The Dinder National Park was established in 1935 and became a biosphere reserve in 1979. Situated along the border to Ethiopia, this biosphere reserve includes tropical savanna and grassland ecosystems. It covers an area of about 650,000 hectares. The whole biosphere reserve is considered as a core area with rich flora and fauna.
Detailed information
Key data
Year of nomination
1979
Country
Sudan
Total population
8500
Area
Surface
1,172,511.00 ha
Location
Latitiude: 12.6785 - Longitude: 35.4217
Ecological Characteristics
Dinder Biosphere Reserve serves as a vital habitat for terrestrial migratory species which spend the dry season in the park. The park’s extensive wetlands also provide refuge for a large number of migratory birds.The biosphere reserve is home to variety of wildlife species. The most important are tiang (Damaliscus lunatus tiang), reedbuck (Redunca redunca), waterbuck (Kobusellipsiprymnus defasa) roan antelope (Hippotragus equines), oribi (Ourebia ourebia), warthog (Phacochoerus aethiopicu) and Cape buffalo (Syncerus caffer caffer) are the major herbivores that inhabit the park. Other animals such as baboon (Papio anubis), Vervet monkey (Chlorocebus aethiopicus) and hussar monkey (Cercopithecus aethiops) are frequent. Greater Kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) and red-fronted gazelle (Gazella rufifrons) are restricted to certain locations.
Socio-Economics Characteristics
About 7,200 people live within the biosphere reserve boundaries (2001). A recent project in Dinder National Park funded by the Global Environmental Facility aims to preserve biodiversity by encouraging species conservation and the sustainable use of resources through the integration of local communities in the utilization and management of natural resources. The project will develop and implement an integrated management plan, in partnership with the impoverished surrounding communities and with equitable sharing of conservation benefits. The fauna and flora of the park will receive protection and there are plans to re-introduce certain species which have died out in the area, such as the Nile Crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus).
