The Largest Land Mammal Migration in the World Confirmed in South Sudan

Forget about the famous Great Migration, where about 2 million wildebeest, zebras, and antelope trek in an enormous loop every year between Tanzania’s Serengeti and Masai Mara in Kenya. The world’s largest land mammal migration has been confirmed in South Sudan.

This is according to an aerial survey of wildlife conducted by African Parks and the South Sudan Ministry of Wildlife Conservation with support from The Wilderness Project. Each year, 6 million antelopes migrate across the Boma Badingilo Jonglei Landscape, into Gambella National Park in Ethiopia.

This spectacular wildlife phenomenon called the Great Nile Migration was officially announced by Salva Kiir, the President of the Republic of South Sudan, and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission, UNMISS.

“As we all know South Sudan is a land rich in biodiversity, boasting some of the most beautiful animals. Our grasslands and protected sites provide a haven for some of the largest populations of antelope on earth. Today, with great pride, I announce the findings of this census to this nation and the international community. It has brought us the position of number one (in the world),” Said Salva Kiir.

According to Nicholas Heysom, the Head of the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission, “This is a national asset and a gift, one which provides a source of unity and pride for the people of South Sudan at a time when the country is otherwise battling food insecurity, economic hardship, flooding, and the impact of conflict in Sudan. This announcement is an opportunity for the country to embark on a new narrative that is not just conflict and poverty.”

Understanding the BBJL Aerial Survey 

The BBJL aerial survey was conducted from the 28th of April to the 15th of May 2023. Two planes carrying a team of observers were equipped with cameras that were programmed to take a photo every two seconds. This resulted in more than 330,000 photographs taken over the entire survey.

A team of five graduates from the University of Juba analyzed 59,718 photos across 64 transects using special software. The results peer-reviewed by Dr Kevin Dunham showed that white-eared kob, tiang, Mongalla gazelle, and Bohor reedbuck altogether totaled ±5,896,373.

The data collected during the survey not only reveal the largest mammal migration on earth but will be instrumental in formulating strategic plans for the wildlife and the entire area. BBJL is South Sudan’s exceptional natural heritage that holds its future prosperity, especially in the realm of wildlife.

Boma Badingilo Jonglei Migratory Landscape (BBJL)

The Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape forms an integral part of a larger 200,000 km2 ecosystem that stretches east of the Nile. The area contains some of East Africa’s most extensive savannah habitats including Boma and Badingilo National Parks.

Various White Nile tributaries drain northwards through BBJL, including the Lotilla, Kinyeti, and Kengen, all of which flow into the Pibor River that drains into the Sobat River. This immense expanse of savannah habitats is critically important to the Sudd Swamps, the largest wetlands in Africa.

In addition to massive numbers of wildlife, the Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape is home to various ethnic groups including the Dinka, Nuer, Murle, Toposa,  Anyuak, Jie, Nyangatom, Mudari, Bari, Didinga, Madi, Lolubo, Lokyoya, Ari, Lopit, Latuka, and Boya.

These ethnic groups heavily depend on wildlife for livelihood and cultural practices. Unfortunately, they are often in conflict with each other over the resources. This can be unhealthy to wildlife and the entire BBJL expanse.

Conservation threats and hope

Despite the massive numbers, animals in the BBJL region face significant vulnerability. A comparison to the studies conducted in the 1980s shows substantial declines in most sedentary species including elephant, hippo, buffalo, cheetah, and warthog.

South Sudan has also had a history of civil unrest that has negatively affected conservation efforts. Overexploitation of the resource might trigger the collapse of migratory patterns. Extensive infrastructure development and poaching linked to arms availability are also a threat.

There is hope only if the government of South Sudan implements what President Salva Kiir said when announcing the discovery.

“As South Sudan continues to develop we are committed to transforming the wildlife sector into a sustainable tourism industry. To activate this I call upon the security forces, particularly the Ministry of Wildlife and its partners, to prioritize the training and equipping of wildlife rangers to combat poaching and trafficking of illegal wildlife products in protected areas.” 

A little about South Sudan 

The Republic of South Sudan is a landlocked country located in Eastern Africa. Sudan borders the country to the north, Ethiopia to the east, Kenya to the southeast, Uganda to the south, the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the southwest, and the Central African Republic to the west.

Juba is the capital and largest city in South Sudan. The official currency is the South Sudanese Pound, denoted by the code SSP. Oil is the major driver of South Sudan’s economy with subsistence agriculture supporting livelihoods. Tourism is slowly emerging as a tourism power in the region.

English is the official language of South Sudan but it’s uncommon to hear locals talking in other languages including Swahili and Arabic. Juba International Airport is the entry point. Don’t forget the sunscreen to protect your skin from sunburn, it sometimes gets very sunny and dry.