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

The Ministry of Wildlife Conservation and Tourism – in partnership with Africa Park Network, launched the labeling of wild animals in Badingilo National Parks ahead of migration season.

The animal-necks labeling targets 130 animal species in the park including deer, lions, elephants, and cheetahs, among others.

Philip Winter, a representative of Africa Park Network said the animal numbering is the first of its kind in South Sudan.

Mr. Winter said the coloring of animals is aimed at monitoring wild animals’ migration in the region.

“What we are seeing today is the first part of two-part exercises so today we are numbering the animal of 130 animals including elephants, lions, Cheetahs, and Buffalo to find out what is their ran to,” he said.

Speaking at the same event, the Minister of Wildlife Rizik Zakira Hassan said South Sudan will be a tourism destination in the nearest future.

He spoke during the inspection of Badingilo National Park on Sunday.

“In our initial target, we were aiming to color the big five and other indigenous groups residing in this protected area and trace their migration,” he said.

“What we have seen is that South Sudan is a gifted country. And when we settle and address the issue of peace, for sure there will be no complaints in this country because tourism will be a real outlet.”

South Sudan has the largest wetland in Africa, the Sudd, lying along the Nile and covering 30,000 square kilometers.

On August 2022, the Government and African Parks Network signed a 10-year renewable management agreement for Boma and Badingilo National Parks, including the wildlife corridors and proposed extension zones in the broader landscape.