Gambella National Park forms part of a much larger contiguous natural system comprising protected areas stretching from southern Ethiopia into neighbouring South Sudan. Located between two major river systems – the Baro River in the north and Akobo River in the south – the park consists of savannah, floodplains, riverine forests, meandering rivers, and grasslands, providing rich habitat for a variety of species. The park contains two Important Bird Areas (IBAs): the Duma wetland and the Baro River, while the river systems harbour over 110 different species of fish, including tigerfish and Nile perch.
Gambella was created for the conservation of its extensive swamp habitat and its wildlife; two key species in particular are critical: the white-eared kob (Kobus kob leucotis) and the Nile lechwe (Kobus megaceros). Currently, the park hosts one of the few remaining populations of Nile lechwe, elephant, the endangered Nubian giraffe and the shoebill, as well being the northern cusp of the white-eared kob migration.
Monitoring and Surveys
The overall objective for biodiversity conservation and habitat management in Gambella is to understand the movements of wildlife populations, and ensure that the migration corridors are maintained and restored where necessary. To achieve this, the use of collars and aerial surveys will be key in the initial phases of conservation management.
Conservation Law Enforcement
The conservation law enforcement and community teams aim to work closely together in and around the park. Their major priorities include safeguarding the landscape and its buffer zone and ensuring species sustainability by addressing illegal hunting and habitat degradation. Ecosystem integrity will rely on anti-poaching and other conservation measures, including managing unsustainable activities such as illegal grazing in the park, and ensuring positive engagement with local communities living around the protected area.
A phased approach is under development to establish a ranger team, and train a Community Scout Unit. Part of the challenge for these teams will be the ability to adapt to the vast changes in accessibility between the wet and dry season. To support these goals, management structures and infrastructure development is an initial priority to ensure effective park protection.