Photo: James Kydd
June 25 - Today we are excited to share with you one of the most breathtaking announcements of the modern day natural world - from the world’s youngest country.
An aerial survey covering nearly 123,000 km2 of Boma Badingilo Jonglei Landscape (BBJL) conducted by African Parks in partnership with the South Sudanese Ministry of Wildlife and Tourism and supported by The Wilderness Project confirms that South Sudan is home to the world’s largest land mammal migration - bizarrely almost unknown to the outside world until recently.
Approximately 6 million antelope, composed mostly of four species - white-eared kob, tiang, Bohor reedbuck and Mongalla gazelle, move through this landscape- that’s around three times larger than the Great Migration of East Africa!
H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan said “As we all know South Sudan is a land rich in biodiversity, boasting some of the most beautiful animals. Our grasslands and protected sites provide a haven for some of the largest populations of antelope on earth. Today with great pride I announce the findings of this census to this nation and the international community.”
These findings are a revelation and integral to our understanding and protection of one of the wilderness regions of the Nile River Basin, which not only support one of the largest intact savanna floodplain ecosystems but also the water security and natural heritage of future generations of South Sudanese.
“Along with our partner, the Rolex Perpetual Planet Initiative, we are proud to have supported this groundbreaking aerial survey by African Parks. The Sudd Swamps to the north, White Nile to the west, and western Ethiopian Highlands, Boma Plateau and Imatong Mountains to the east and south have protected these vast floodplains for thousands of years," said Dr. Steve Boyes, founder of The Wilderness Project. "The world’s largest remaining wildlife migration is a force of nature that will bring long-term benefits to South Sudan’s people. The Wilderness Project is committed to supporting the Government of the Republic of South Sudan in securing long-term water security for the White Nile and Sobat Rivers that sustain this globally important landscape.”
Having persisted through wars and conflicts, the biggest migratory population of antelope in the world now faces escalating threats.
Habitat destruction and fragmentation from intensifying competition for grazing land; expanding settlements; road networks; and rangeland burning are now disrupting these ancient migration routes.
Whereas before traditional hunting methods were practised for generations, the introduction of automatic firearms during multiple conflicts has resulted in increased pressure on wildlife. There has also been a catastrophic decline of species such as giraffe, buffalo, zebra, waterbuck and hartebeest, which need year-round access to water.
The migration has been surviving by moving to areas inaccessible to most people but the pressure is mounting. Dramatic flooding of the Sudd swamps in recent years is further restricting the antelopes’ historical range. A record-breaking flood in 2021 impacted both wildlife and over one million people. Research is urgently required to unlock the causes of these floods but climate change, silting rivers and plastic build-up in the swamp are all contributing factors.
With the region predicted to become wetter over the next few years, increased flooding will force these animals eastwards towards human settlements, highlighting the importance of consistent monitoring, study and protection.
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