Rare Monkey Discovery Opens New Opportunities for Eco-Tourism in South Sudan

(BOMA COUNTY) – South Sudan’s Boma National Park has attracted global attention after scientists confirmed the first record of Boutourline’s blue monkey in the country. The finding is seen not only as a conservation success but also as a potential driver for eco-tourism and sustainable business opportunities.

The discovery, announced in the scientific journal African Primates, is the first confirmation that this vulnerable subspecies lives outside Ethiopia. Camera traps placed by African Parks rangers captured the primate in the Boma Plateau Forest between June and November 2024. A later biodiversity survey in December counted at least eight groups totalling nearly 60 monkeys.

Previously believed to exist only in Ethiopia, Boutourline’s blue monkey is now officially part of South Sudan’s wildlife diversity. It is identified by its white lips, throat and ear fringes, and is considered at risk due to hunting, deforestation and habitat loss.

Officials say the discovery gives South Sudan an advantage in positioning itself as a unique eco-tourism destination. Col. Charles Laku, Director of Media in the Ministry of Wildlife Conservation and Tourism, described it as both a scientific milestone and an economic opportunity.

“This historic discovery is a proud moment for our nation. It reminds us of the rich biodiversity South Sudan holds and the potential for eco-tourism to benefit local communities if managed properly,” he said. He also thanked researchers and African Parks for their work in documenting and protecting the species.

Conservationists are warning, however, that the Great Nile Migration Landscape, where the monkeys were found, faces growing threats from farming, poaching, deforestation and climate change. They argue that without stronger protection measures, the economic benefits of wildlife conservation could be lost.

There are calls to integrate Boma Forest more firmly into the national park ecosystem and to work with nearby communities on sustainable land use. Advocates say this could secure the forest’s biodiversity while creating jobs through eco-tourism, hospitality and related services.

The discovery also strengthens South Sudan’s global conservation profile, which could attract future investment in tourism infrastructure. African Parks, a non-profit organisation managing Boma National Park in partnership with the government, already oversees 23 protected areas across 13 countries, covering more than 20 million hectares.

For South Sudan, this breakthrough adds to the country’s growing list of wildlife attractions, alongside the Great Nile Migration and vast savannah landscapes.

Conservation and Business Impact of Discovery