Is South Sudan wildlife on the verge of extinction?

This opinion seeks to explore the wonders of South Sudan's wildlife, the challenges it faces, and the crucial conservation efforts that need to be undertaken to preserve the country's precious biodiversity.
Woja Emmanuel Wani, multimedia South Sudanese journalist

By Woja Emmanuel Wani

South Sudan, the youngest country in the world, boasts an exceptional biodiversity that is flourishing with unique animal and plant species. However, this diverse ecosystem is facing significant threats, which jeopardize its rich natural resources and endanger the delicate balance of its environment. This opinion seeks to explore the wonders of South Sudan’s wildlife, the challenges it faces, and the crucial conservation efforts that need to be undertaken to preserve the country’s precious biodiversity.

South Sudan is a paradise for wildlife, with a wide range of species that are found nowhere else in the world. The country is home to rare Nubian giraffes, large herds of migrating antelopes and gazelles, lions, elephants, and many other endangered animals. The abundance and diversity of these species make South Sudan a global biodiversity hotspot.

The incredible wildlife in South Sudan provides a unique opportunity for nature enthusiasts to experience and appreciate the wonders of the natural world. Every encounter with these magnificent creatures, from the majestic giraffes roaming the grasslands to the mighty elephants bathing in the rivers, is a testament to the country’s exceptional biodiversity.

Aerial surveys by the New York-based Wildlife Conservation Society found more than 1.3 million white-eared kob, tiang antelope, and Mangalla gazelle in Southern Sudan, before independence. This includes more than 8,000 elephants rivals that of the legendary Serengeti in Tanzania and suggests that the region is of critical importance for conservation efforts.

ResearchGate, a European commercial social networking site, also indicates that South Sudan has a total of about 19 proposed national game reserves. But barely 3 out of the 19 have maintained wildlife species in them. These include Nimule, Boma, and Badingilo National Game Parks.

However, South Sudan’s biodiversity faces numerous challenges. The aftermath of civil wars has left the country with limited infrastructure and isolated regions, posing significant obstacles to the protection and preservation of wildlife habitats. Without adequate access and resources, conservation efforts are hindered, jeopardizing the unique flora and fauna found in South Sudan.

In most game reserves, animals have either been killed, displaced by civil wars, or migrated to neighboring countries.

Poor funding for wildlife departments exacerbates the situation, as it limits the capacity to implement conservation programs effectively. The lack of financial resources hampers the development of infrastructure, research, and monitoring initiatives necessary to safeguard the diverse wildlife populations and their habitats.

Furthermore, the absence of adequate law enforcement contributes to the rampant illegal hunting and poaching that threatens many endangered species. The demand for rare animal products drives this illegal trade, resulting in the decline of already vulnerable populations.

In many regions of South Sudan that I have been to, wildlife is not only a source of livelihood but also the only means of survival for the local population. Due to a lack of alternative resources and economic opportunities, many communities have resorted to hunting down wildlife for bushmeat. The Greater Pibor Administrative Area is one such region where locals have been extensively hunting wildlife for their daily sustenance. This has led to a decline in the population of many species of wildlife in the region and raised concerns about the long-term impact of such activities on the ecosystem and the livelihoods of the local population.

I have had the opportunity to visit Pibor Town twice, first in July 2023 and then again in February 2024. During my visits, I noticed a concerning trend that poses a threat to the existence of wildlife in the area. The locals rely heavily on bushmeat as their primary source of sustenance, and it is also the only type of meat served at local restaurants.

I observed that fresh meat, sometimes even animals in their skins, are delivered to hotel owners and homes at the crack of dawn every day. It’s uncommon to find cow meat being sold at the markets in places like Pibor, where bushmeat is in abundant supply. This dependence on wildlife for food is not limited to Pibor Town alone, as there are hundreds of households in the Greater Pibor Administrative Area and surrounding towns that rely on this source of food as well.

The implications of this practice are significant and raise important questions about the future of our wildlife. How many animals are lost every day, every week, every month, and every year? What impact does this have on the wildlife population, and how close are we to facing extinction? These are crucial issues that need to be addressed to ensure the sustainable future of the wildlife ecosystem in the area.

Another trend of threat posed to this ecosystem is the South Sudan Organized Forces. On several occasions, photos of soldiers shooting and killing wildlife have been shared across social media platforms. Between 2021 and 2023, several army officers, including SSPDF and SPLA-IO soldiers were put under investigation on allegations of poaching in parts of Pibor and Central Equatoria State. 

In January 2023, the Ministry of Wildlife and Tourism confirmed that they arrested 11 people with bushmeat worth 3,000 kilograms. It was estimated that the meat was from 110 different animals including dozens of antelopes.

Similar cases were registered in Lol Town of Western Bahr El Ghazal where the government launched a search for a man who killed seven female deer in July 2022. 

It is also a common occurrence to hear of organized forces such as soldiers who are supposed to protect wildlife, being involved in poaching activities. This raises a question as to why this phenomenon occurs. The immediate answer to this is the lack of salary for soldiers. The South Sudanese government has deployed soldiers across the country to maintain peace and order. However, most of these soldiers are often deployed without food and no salary at the end of every month. This situation forces most of them to resort to poaching as the only option to sustain their families and generate income. It is a sad reality that these soldiers who are supposed to be protectors of wildlife, are compelled to engage in the very activities that they are meant to prevent.

In addition to direct human activities, habitat destruction poses a grave threat to the biodiversity of South Sudan. Deforestation, land conversion for agriculture, and infrastructure expansion have resulted in the displacement and potential extinction of various species. This not only upsets the delicate balance of ecosystems but also endangers countless animals that rely on these habitats for their survival. Urgent action is needed to address the challenges of habitat destruction, poaching, and inadequate funding to protect South Sudan’s unique flora and fauna for future generations.

In conclusion, to safeguard South Sudan’s diverse flora and fauna, sustainable solutions must be found to address these challenges. Essential steps towards this include strengthening law enforcement, increasing funding for conservation initiatives, and promoting sustainable land use practices. To achieve this, conservation organizations, government agencies, and local communities must collaborate to raise awareness, implement effective conservation strategies, and engage in community-based initiatives.

Conservation efforts in South Sudan are crucial to ensure the survival of its animals and the preservation of their habitats. By implementing effective wildlife conservation strategies and raising awareness about the importance of protecting South Sudan’s unique species, we can contribute to the long-term sustainability of the country’s wildlife and support its global significance as a sanctuary for diverse and endangered animals.

Lastly, the government must take immediate action to ensure that soldiers receive their salaries and basic needs so that they can perform their duties effectively and without resorting to illegal means of income generation through poaching of the country’s treasure.

South Sudan’s wildlife is a treasure trove of unique species that deserve our utmost protection and conservation efforts. Every animal, no matter how big or small, plays a crucial role in maintaining the delicate balance of South Sudan’s ecosystems. Let us join hands in preserving the wonders of South Sudan’s wildlife for generations to come.

The writer is a multimedia South Sudanese journalist, and can be reached via email: wojaemmanuel16@gmail.com

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