Nature in South Sudan

South Sudan's natural landscapes range from open water and floating vegetation in the Sudd to seasonal grasslands, floodplain scrub, woodlands, savanna and tropical forest. National biodiversity planning estimates that forests and woodlands cover about 29% of the country. Seasonal water and wildlife movements connect South Sudan with Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Sudd has been a Ramsar Site since 5 June 2006. Its wetland mosaic includes rain-fed and river-fed grasslands, submerged vegetation and seasonally flooded woodland. It contains more than 470 recorded bird species, more than 350 plant species and about 100 fish species. The endemic plant Suddia sagitifolia and eight endemic small fish species occur there, and the wetland provides habitat for the Shoebill. South Sudan's protected-area system is based on six National Parks and roughly twelve to thirteen Game Reserves, covering about 11% of the country's land area. Published figures differ because some reserve boundaries remain indicative. The parks include Boma, Badingilo, Lantoto, Nimule, Shambe and Southern. Other reserves include Bangangai, Bire Kpatous, Boro, Chelkou, Fanyikang, Juba, Numatina, Zeraf and Panyikang. The Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape covers about 11.25 million hectares and has World Heritage status while also appearing on the List of World Heritage in Danger. It protects a seasonally changing mosaic of savanna, wetlands and floodplains used by around six million White-eared Kob, Tiang and Mongalla Gazelle. Wildlife protection therefore extends beyond park boundaries into migration corridors and community land. The Ministry of Wildlife Conservation and Tourism works with African Parks under a ten-year management agreement that began in 2022. Wildlife found in South Sudan includes elephants, giraffes, lions, cheetahs, African Wild Dogs, buffalo, hippopotamuses, crocodiles, Uganda Kob, Oribi, Oryx, Shoebills, White-eared Kob, Tiang and Mongalla Gazelle. Nimule is associated with historical White Rhino protection, although the species is locally reported as extinct there. Nature supports pastoralism and transhumance, agriculture, fishing, hunting, wild foods, fuelwood, charcoal, timber and honey. Wildlife and livestock often move seasonally through the same areas. This creates disputes between crop farmers and livestock keepers, between pastoralists and wildlife, and over water, grazing land and other resources. Traditional authorities and customary practices remain relevant to natural-resource decisions, while conservation planning calls for community and Indigenous Peoples' participation and free, prior and informed consent for measures affecting them. The Ministry of Environment and Forestry, the Ministry of Wildlife Conservation and Tourism, the South Sudan Wildlife Service, state and county authorities, traditional authorities and contracted management partners have different responsibilities. The 2003 Wild Life Conservation and National Parks Act provides the framework for park and reserve administration, wildlife protection, hunting and trade controls, research, public information and ranger or game-scout training. The 2015 Wildlife Conservation and Protected Areas Bill is a reform proposal whose enactment is not established here. The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for 2018–2027 addresses conservation, sustainable use and access and benefit-sharing. Major pressures include poaching, bushmeat and ivory trafficking, firearms and insecurity, shifting agriculture, deforestation, charcoal and timber production, livestock encroachment, overgrazing, burning, road and extractive infrastructure in wildlife corridors, weak enforcement capacity, wetland conversion and oil or industrial pollution. Climate variability increases exposure to floods, droughts, heat, fire and land degradation. Research and conservation work includes aerial surveys, wildlife collaring, camera traps, ranger training, TANGO teams, community agents and participation by the University of Juba. Access to parks, reserves and wetlands depends on season, security and any required permission. No single current national opening schedule or permit practice is established. The FY2025/26 Finance Bill identifies the Ministry of Wildlife Conservation and Tourism as the fee-collecting authority. A published FY2023/24 reference listed USD 50 for foreign park visitors, USD 20 for children and USD 300 for a student or research group, but current charges should be verified locally. White-eared Kob migration is especially associated with the May to October wet season, while Sudd water levels and accessible areas change throughout the year.