Poaching Crackdown Along Juba-Bor Highway
Wildlife officers seized over 500 kilograms of illicit bushmeat during separate interceptions on 31 August and 1 September, according to Ministry spokesman Charles Laku.
The operations unfolded at the entrance of Badingilo National Park, where two private vehicles were stopped and escorted to the ministry compound in Juba.
Suspects Under Custody as Investigations Deepen
Laku confirmed that the drivers and passengers remain in custody while investigators trace the origin of the carcasses and the intended buyers.
He declined to release names, stressing that due process is underway under South Sudanese wildlife legislation.
Health Concerns Over Unchecked Bushmeat
The spokesman warned that poachers seldom test carcasses, increasing the risk of zoonotic diseases passing from wildlife to consumers.
‘They do not mind if the animal is pregnant or sick; they just kill,’ he told Eye Radio, linking the trade to potential public-health emergencies.
Conservation and Heritage Implications
Beyond revenue losses, Laku argued that unchecked hunting erodes national pride and deprives future generations of experiencing native fauna.
‘If our grandparents had emptied the parks, we would see no wildlife today,’ he said, urging citizens to report suspicious activity and embrace conservation.
Next Steps for Wildlife Protection
The ministry plans intensified patrols on key corridors such as Juba-Bor Highway, pairing enforcement with community outreach to curb demand for illegal game.
Officials hope the recent seizure signals that trafficking carries serious consequences, reinforcing South Sudan’s commitment to safeguarding its natural heritage.