South Sudan Reveals World’s Largest Land Mammal Migration in Aerial Wildlife Survey
South Sudan recently unveiled the results of its first comprehensive aerial wildlife survey, identifying approximately 6 million antelopes in what is now known as the world’s largest land mammal migration. The survey, conducted between April 2023 and January 2024, covered Badingilo, Boma, and Jonglei National Parks as well as the surrounding areas. It involved the use of airplanes with spotters, capturing almost 60,000 photos and tracking over a hundred collared animals across 46,000 square miles.
This estimate, carried out by non-profit African Parks in partnership with the government, surpasses other major migrations, such as the 1.36 million wildebeests surveyed in the Serengeti last year. South Sudan is home to six national parks and a dozen game reserves, covering over 13% of the terrain, with the migration stretching from east of the Nile into Ethiopia.
Speaking at the survey’s unveiling, President Salva Kiir Mayardit emphasized the importance of preserving the wildlife population. Minister of Wildlife, Conservation, and Tourism, Rizik Zakaria Hassan, highlighted the significant findings in South Sudan’s wildlife population and its diverse migratory and indigenous species.
Charles Wells, Chief Operating Officer of African Parks Networks, reiterated their commitment to working with the government and local communities to protect this vital ecosystem for the nation’s benefit.