Poaching Escalating In Eastern Equatoria, South Sudan

 

By Peter Lokale Nakimangole

TORIT, 23 September 2016 [Gurtong] –General Dushaman Accellam olla, the outgoing Director of Wildlife Conservation and Tourism in the two States of Imatong and Namorunyang notes that poaching activity has led to a decrease in the number of animals.

He also said that illegal wildlife trade is going on and must be immediately stopped as wildlife through tourism is a source of income for the country.

The newly appointed Imatong State Wildlife Director, Nelson Aleru believes it is crucial for communities who poach to know the importance of both flora and fauna.

Olla revealed that his Directorate through support of South Sudan Wildlife Conservation Society, exerted efforts to extend awareness to the citizens about the importance of wildlife.

Each year, according to officials, stockpiles of the elephant’s tusks by the Wildlife Ministry are collected from poachers in the region.

The outgoing Director urged the government of South Sudan to recruit more rangers as there are a limited number of wildlife rangers at the moment. 

The South Sudan Wildlife Conservation Society has expressed fears that the rate of poaching in the country poses a risk of wiping out the endangered animal species.

In a related development, The East African has reported that Global Conservationists and Policymakers will meet today Friday in South Africa to find a way forward in the fight against escalating wildlife trafficking that could drive some species to extinction.

The plight of Africa's rhino and elephants, targeted for their horns and tusks, is expected to dominate 12 days of talks in Johannesburg on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).

Illegal wildlife trade is valued at around $20 billion a year, according to CITES, and is ranked the fourth largest illicit business in the world after arms, counterfeit goods and human trafficking.

The gathering is expected to assess whether to toughen or loosen trade restrictions on some 500 species of animals and plants.