A lion is being labelled with a GPS tracking device at Badingilo National Park. March 13, 2023. | Photo: Lou Nelson/Eye Radio.

The government said four of the wild animals fitted with collar marks around their necks may have been killed by poachers around Badingilo National Park.

Last week, the Ministry of Wildlife and the African Parks Network launched the labeling of wild animals at Badingilo national park ahead of the migration season.

The neck-labeling operation targeted 100 animal species including deer, lions, elephants, and cheetahs, among others.

According to the Ministry of Wildlife, the operation was intended to provide data to the government and its partners on where the animals are moving to.

Michael Makuei, the Minister of Information said the Minister of Wildlife conservation, Rizik Zachariah informed the cabinet meeting on Friday about the slaying the wildlife species at the park.

“The Minister of Wildlife …. also talked about the collaring operation in Badingilo and Buma national parks and Jonglei landscape. They are doing sampling all over so that they follow exactly the movement of the animals,” he told reporters in Juba.

“Unfortunately after doing all this, [it] turned out that four of these animals which were curled were shot by the poachers and they have not been found.”

“This is another problem and the Ministry of wildlife forces are trying their level best to protect the animals because animals are very good wealth, very good income for the country.”

In August last year, African Parks Network signed a 10-year management agreement with the Ministry of Wildlife Conservation to restore and develop Badingilo National Park to become one of the leading wildlife reserves in South Sudan.

The conservation organization believes that through effective management, infrastructure, law enforcement and engagement with local communities, the park has the potential to become a premier tourism destination for the country.

The years of armed conflict in the country has severely impacted the lives of communities in and around protected areas which resulted in significant pressure on the country’s wildlife and its habitats, APN said.

In February this year, the Ministry of Wildlife Conservation launched a two-month training targeting 15 game rangers to enhance their ability to manage the tourist site in South Sudan.