Fwd: [sudans-john-ashworth] South Sudan wildlife surviving civil war, but threats increase

[Elisabeth Janaina]

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From: "John Ashworth" <ashwor...@gmail.com>
Date: 26 May 2017 07:40
Subject: [sudans-john-ashworth] South Sudan wildlife surviving civil war, but threats increase
To: "Group" <sudans-joh...@googlegroups.com>
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South Sudan wildlife surviving civil war, but poaching and trafficking
threats increase

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION SOCIETY

JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN, May 24, 2017 -- The first aerial assessment of the
impact of South Sudan's current civil war on the country's wildlife
and other natural resources shows that significant wildlife
populations have so far survived, but poaching and commercial wildlife
trafficking are increasing, as well as illegal mining, timber
harvesting and charcoal production, the Wildlife Conservation Society
(WCS) said in a report issued today.

Wildlife in South Sudan, which is home to the world's second-largest
land mammal migration, includes species of global importance, such as
elephant, giraffe, lion, and hippopotamus. WCS conducted the aerial
survey in 2015-16 as part of a project funded by the U.S. Agency for
International Development (USAID) and part of the Great Elephant
Census©, funded by philanthropist and Microsoft cofounder Paul G.
Allen. WCS previously conducted aerial surveys of South Sudan's
wildlife and protected areas in 2007, 2008, 2009-10 and 2013.

The 2015-16 aerial survey covered the areas of Boma, Badingilo,
Nimule, Southern, and Shambe National Parks, and the proposed Loelle
protected area. A combination of aerial survey methods (systematic
surveys and recce surveys) were employed with a total of 17,934 km
flown (98 hours of flight time) and an estimated 20,845 sq. km
surveyed systematically. The survey confirmed a minimum of 730
elephants in the surveyed zone. However, about 50 percent of
previously documented important wildlife areas -- including the
northern part of South Sudan's vast wetland, the Sudd -- were
inaccessible due to conflict, preventing a comprehensive assessment.

Earlier surveys and applied research conducted by WCS and the South
Sudan Wildlife Service estimated an elephant population of some 2,300
in the country prior to the civil war, which began in December 2013,
down from an estimated 79,000 in the 1970's. Elephants face continued
and expanded threats. Giraffe are in very low numbers--down from some
13,000 in the early 1980's to only hundreds remaining now and at risk
of local extinction. Migratory tiang and other antelopes are
vulnerable due to annual migration between Badingilo National Park and
the Sudd.

The survey documented northern giraffe Kordofan subspecies in Shambe
National Park area and hippopotamus and Uganda kob in Nimule National
Park. Endangered northern giraffe Nubian subspecies, reedbuck, common
eland, Beisa oryx, ostrich and wild dog were observed in Badingilo,
Boma, and Loella areas. The white-eared kob and Mongalla gazelle were
found to be the most dominant species in Badingilo and Boma. Important
transboundary conservation linkages between South Sudan and
neighbouring Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda were also documented.

Hon. Jemma Nunu Kumba, Minister, Ministry of Wildlife Conservation and
Tourism stated: "These surveys are important for our country as they
show the world that South Sudan is still home for many iconic wildlife
species. However, some of these species have become endangered. I want
to appeal to the people of South Sudan to take special care in
protecting these endangered animals so that the next generation will
continue to benefit from their presence. These animals serve and will
serve as an import source of ecotourism for the country."

"The United States Government is supporting wildlife conservation in
South Sudan because it is a priceless resource for the people of South
Sudan and our shared global heritage," said USAID South Sudan Mission
Director Jeffrey Bakken. "Our assistance has helped provide employment
opportunities, helped resolve local conflicts and promoted knowledge
sharing with local communities about the importance and benefits of
protecting their wildlife heritage. South Sudan's wildlife and natural
resources can directly contribute to peace and sustainable
development."

Said Cristián Samper, WCS President and CEO: "There is still hope for
wildlife in South Sudan even as conflict rages on. But there must be
actions taken, including strengthening protected areas, to ensure the
protection of South Sudan's natural heritage which is vital for
wildlife and communities alike. Healthy wildlife populations and well
managed Parks can improve livelihoods and security, and stabilize the
region."

https://eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-05/wcs-ssw052417.php

END
______________________
John Ashworth

ashwor...@gmail.com

+254 725 926 297 (Kenya mobile)
+211 919 695 362 (South Sudan mobile)
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Skype: jashworth1

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This is a personal e-mail address and the contents do not necessarily
reflect the views of any organisation

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