From a lion conservation perspective, South Sudan is the last frontier. Less is known about lions in South Sudan than in any other range state. The country is emerging from decades of civil war, and little is known about what of the country’s natural resources made it through those torrid times. South Sudan is a vast country with some incredible protected areas and natural features, and even if a small fraction of the country’s pre-war lion populations persisted, it would be hugely significant. As peace has returned to South Sudan, there has been growing interest from conservation NGOs in working in the country. For example, Fauna & Flora are working in the western part of Southern National Park and African Parks were recently mandated to manage Boma National Park, Bandingilo National Park, and the proposed extension zones of the two national parks and wildlife corridors for the wildlife migrations. In addition, another NGO, the Enjojo Foundation, is working to secure a mandate to support the management of Lantoto National Park and Kidepo Game Reserve. In the Sudd—a vast swamp in the centre of the country—a small local NGO called Agency for Conservation and Development has undertaken some exploratory work and confirmed the presence of lions, giraffes, and elephants, but also noted significant poaching.
South Sudan, the Last Frontier for Africa’s Lions - Lion Recovery Fund
South Sudan, the Last Frontier for Africa’s Lions - Lion Recovery Fund