“Discover the World’s Largest Land Mammal Migration in South Sudan: Awe-Inspiring Images and Conservation Efforts”
Aerial survey reveals largest land mammal migration on Earth in South Sudan
An aerial survey conducted by wildlife NGO African Parks has uncovered the largest land mammal migration on Earth, taking place in the Boma-Badingilo Jonglei Landscape (BBJL) of South Sudan. The Great Nile Migration of six million antelope from BBJL to Ethiopia’s Gambella National Park surpasses the famous annual migration of two million zebras, wildebeest, and gazelle from Tanzania’s Serengeti to Kenya.
David Simpson, park manager for Boma and Badingilo national parks with African Parks, expressed awe at the scale of the migration, stating that the vast herds of antelope species are nearly three times larger than East Africa’s great migration. The survey, conducted using two aircraft equipped with cameras that captured 330,000 images, revealed the migration patterns of white-eared kob, Mongalla gazelle, tiang, and bohor reedbuck.
Mike Fay, African Parks’ landscape coordinator for Boma and Badingilo, marveled at the sight of the animals in such large numbers, likening it to a glimpse of Earth’s past when nature and humans coexisted in balance. Despite decades of instability and civil war in South Sudan, the region’s wildlife has persevered.
The survey, covering 122,774 square kilometers of antelope range, highlighted the need for conservation efforts to protect both the wildlife and the local communities dependent on the landscape. Threats such as habitat loss, resource depletion, and disruption of migration routes from activities like road expansion, agriculture, and charcoal production pose risks to the survival of the migration and the livelihoods of the people.
The findings of the survey have been described as a gamechanger for conservation efforts in South Sudan, with the potential to position the country as a prominent ecotourism destination. While international tourism may not be feasible at present due to safety concerns, the migration plays a crucial role in ensuring food security for local communities.
The enduring and expanding nature of the Great Nile Migration amidst global challenges like climate change and human development has surprised scientists. The survey results indicate an increase in wildlife numbers since previous assessments, emphasizing the importance of protecting the ecosystems that support the migration.
As efforts continue to safeguard the migration and its habitat, the hope is to secure the livelihoods of both wildlife and people across the landscape. The remarkable display of wildlife in the Great Nile Migration serves as a testament to the biological and ecological capacity of the land, showcasing the phenomenal diversity and abundance of wildlife in the region.