South Sudan is marking World Elephant Day with a notable conservation achievement, as community efforts in the Boma-Badingilo and Jonglei landscape have contributed to zero known elephant poaching cases in the Boma landscape so far in 2026.

In a statement posted by Boma-Badingilo South Sudan, conservation partners highlighted the growing impact of community-led wildlife protection efforts under the Tango program, an initiative led by African Parks in South Sudan.

Earlier this year, the program was expanded to parts of Eastern Equatoria State, including areas south of Boma National Park. The initiative engages local community members in conservation activities, with many of the participants being former elephant poachers who have since become advocates for wildlife protection.

According to the statement, members of the Tango team recently helped prevent a potential poaching incident after receiving information that a group of individuals was on its way to kill an elephant. Through dialogue and constructive engagement, the agents persuaded the would-be poachers to abandon their plans, averting what could have been another loss to South Sudan’s elephant population.

The intervention underscores the importance of community participation in conservation efforts and demonstrates how trust, local knowledge, and cooperation can produce tangible results in protecting wildlife.

African Parks noted that there have been zero known elephant poaching cases in the Boma landscape in 2026, including during the critical dry season when wildlife often faces heightened threats from poachers.

The transition of former poachers into conservation advocates is being hailed as a powerful example of the positive impact of community-based conservation programs. By leveraging local networks and fostering a sense of ownership over natural resources, the initiative is helping secure a future for one of South Sudan’s most iconic species.

“That moment shows what is possible when local knowledge, trust and courage are part of conservation,” the statement said, reflecting on the successful intervention.

As the world commemorates World Elephant Day, conservationists say the achievement offers hope for the long-term survival of elephants in South Sudan and demonstrates that empowering communities remains one of the most effective tools in the fight against wildlife crime.

African Parks continues to work with communities across the Boma-Badingilo and Jonglei landscape to strengthen wildlife protection and promote peaceful coexistence between people and nature.