Poaching Crisis Forces 8,000 Wild Animals to Flee South Sudan in One Month

(Juba) – Rampant poaching in South Sudan has triggered the migration of 8,000 wild animals in just one month, threatening the country’s fragile ecosystems and tourism potential. South Sudan’s Minister of Wildlife, Gen. Rizik Zakaria Hassan, revealed that Jonglei State and Lafon in Eastern Equatoria are the worst-affected regions, with animals fleeing due to increased hunting and attacks. The alarming trend follows the recent seizure of six commercial vehicles loaded with illegal bushmeat and the arrest of 10 suspects in Juba.

Key Wildlife Crisis Data (February 2025)

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Issue	Details
Animals Migrated	8,000
Major Poaching Zones	Jonglei, Lafon (Eastern Equatoria)
Recent Arrests	10 suspects, 6 vehicles confiscated
Stored Illegal Meat	Large quantities stranded due to transport fears

Gen. Rizik urged state and county governments to take stronger action, stating: “We send a special message to the governments in the state and counties to take a lead in this matter and work to preserve these animals.” Meanwhile, Gen. Khamis Adiang, Director-General of the Ministry of Wildlife, warned that the closure of inspection checkpoints in national parks has worsened smuggling. The checkpoints, previously critical in intercepting illegal bushmeat, were suspended in 2024 as part of a nationwide crackdown on corrupt roadblocks. However, wildlife officials argue that the move has left them powerless against poachers. “There are quantities of meat stored in hiding, but transporters refuse to move them for fear of arrest,” Adiang said. “We appeal to the government to reconsider reopening wildlife inspection gates.” South Sudan is home to the Great Nile Migration, one of the world’s largest wildlife spectacles. However, unchecked poaching — driven by food insecurity and illegal trade — poses a severe threat to this natural heritage. The government faces a difficult balance between curbing corruption at roadblocks and protecting endangered species. Without urgent intervention, experts fear irreversible damage to South Sudan’s wildlife populations.