South Sudan Makes Sure To Protect Its Antelope Migration

The world is filled with conservation challenges, and often the focus is placed on well-known locations like the Amazon rainforest, the Australian outback, or the Andes. However, the most significant conservation opportunity on the planet is neither in these famous spots nor in any place one might typically imagine. Instead, it lies in the relatively uncharted and remote wilderness of South Sudan. Here, a story is unfolding that underscores how much of our natural world remains unexplored, revealing that the world’s largest migration of land mammals occurs in this largely untouched landscape. This revelation has prompted the South Sudanese government, with the assistance of African Parks, to take urgent measures to protect it.

South Sudan’s “No Man’s Land,” a vast and mysterious region, has long been known to ecologists as a site of incredible biodiversity and massive animal migrations. However, the intricacies and scale of this migration had remained elusive until recently. Unlike the well-documented caribou migrations in Canada or the wildebeest movements across Kenya’s Mara grasslands, the migrations in South Sudan’s No Man’s Land involve a diverse array of species. Among these are the Mongalla gazelle, bohor reedbuck, white-eared kob, and tiang—each an antelope species unique to this part of Africa.

Recognizing the extraordinary conservation value of these migration routes, which support an estimated 6 million animals, African Parks—a non-profit organization dedicated to managing national parks across Africa—has partnered with the government of South Sudan. Together, they have embarked on a 10-year agreement to manage and protect this critical area. The agreement encompasses Boma National Park and Bandingilo National Park, covering a combined area of 12,700 square miles—an expanse four times the size of Yellowstone National Park in the United States.

Remarkably, this area remained largely untouched by the brutal 20-year civil war between Sudan and South Sudan, preserving its ecological integrity. This fortunate circumstance has allowed African Parks to initiate management efforts without the hindrance of significant human-caused environmental degradation. To launch modern conservation protections, African Parks undertook the largest GPS collaring survey of large mammals ever conducted. This extensive study involved placing GPS trackers on 126 animals across 12 different species, enabling researchers to closely monitor their movements and behaviors.

In addition to GPS tracking, African Parks utilized aerial surveys and collaborated with members of the 17 different ethnic groups that inhabit the area. These indigenous communities, who have lived in harmony with this environment for generations, provided invaluable insights into the migratory patterns of these animals. The data gathered from these efforts revealed that the antelope species in this region follow a broad, circular migration route, adjusting their path to align with seasonal rainfall patterns.

David Simpson, park manager for African Parks, recounted his initial trepidation during one of the aerial surveys. “We flew for the first 30 to 40 minutes, and we didn’t see anything. I was like, ‘Oh, no, maybe it’s over. Maybe the wildlife has already disappeared,’” Simpson told ABC News. His concern quickly turned to amazement as the team began to spot animals in increasing numbers. “Then we get out there and we start hitting one, two, three, four. Then we start hitting hundreds and then we start hitting thousands, and then tens of thousands, then hundreds of thousands.”

For the indigenous people of this region, the migration is more than just a natural phenomenon—it is a symbol of abundance, balance, and the deep connection between humans and the natural world. These communities depend on the migrating animals for sustenance, using them for food, clothing, medicine, and materials for shelter. Recognizing the importance of preserving both the ecosystem and the traditional ways of life, African Parks has actively involved the local population in their conservation efforts. By providing education and employment opportunities, the organization ensures that these communities play a crucial role in safeguarding the region’s natural heritage for future generations.

In a world where many natural habitats are under threat, the story of South Sudan’s No Man’s Land offers a rare glimmer of hope. It serves as a reminder that even in the most remote and conflict-ridden areas, there is still an opportunity to protect and preserve the planet’s most extraordinary ecosystems. The collaborative efforts of African Parks, the South Sudanese government, and the indigenous peoples of the region are setting a precedent for how conservation can succeed, even in the most challenging environments.