In Mading, South Sudan, on a scorching morning in July, Michael Alier set out on a motorcycle taxi to the bush armed with his assault rifle in search of food. The wet season in Mading, located about 200km from Juba, the capital of South Sudan, brings lush grasslands teeming with antelope migrating from the Boma plateau in search of water and fresh greens. This migration is considered the largest land mammal migration in the world, emphasizing the collective responsibility to preserve it. Despite efforts to end rampant poaching of the antelope, many in South Sudan, facing decades of conflict, extreme poverty, and severe hunger, rely on hunting these animals for sustenance.
Alier, a 28-year-old security guard, explains that the high cost of beef and goat meat leaves him no choice but to hunt antelope to feed his family of nine. Despite the dangers posed by armed gangs also hunting the antelope for profit, Alier undertakes the treacherous trips at least three times a week to ensure his family has food. President Salva Kiir has called for increased efforts to combat poaching and protect wildlife, acknowledging the importance of preserving the Great Nile Migration, a twice-yearly procession of antelopes crucial to the region’s ecosystem.
However, the economic challenges in South Sudan make it difficult for the government to crack down on poaching without providing viable alternatives for those relying on wildlife for food. The country’s high poverty levels and widespread malnutrition further complicate efforts to protect the wildlife population. Displaced families, like Alier’s, face ongoing struggles to secure basic necessities, leading them to question government warnings against poaching when it means their survival.
As South Sudan aims to boost tourism revenue through its rich wildlife population, anti-poaching efforts become essential for the country’s economic growth. With endangered species like Grevy’s zebra and Nubian giraffe at risk of extinction, the government’s focus on building national parks and game reserves is crucial. However, the prevalence of heavily armed poachers and the legacy of armed conflict make it a challenging task to protect the country’s wildlife effectively.