The Great Nile Migration

Six million antelope traverse South Sudan in an ecological spectacle that remained hidden for decades. National Geographic recently provided an update on the Great Nile Migration.
 

In partnership with the South Sudan’s government and communities, African Parks has embarked on a collective conservation effort to safeguard this vast landscape and its wildlife populations. Understanding the deep connection of the local communities to the land and the migration of animals, we can better conserve the wildlife and landscape for the benefit of the people of South Sudan and future generations. Through a long-term management agreement, the conservation of this critically important ecosystem will now be ensured so that it can deliver ecological and socio-economic sustainability for the ongoing security of the people and wildlife who call the GNML home.

Join us in protecting the largest land mammal migration on Earth.

The Great Nile Migration Landscape is one of the largest intact savannah floodplain ecosystems on Earth. It forms a vital part of the White Nile floodplain system which is essential for the health of this enormously important river system and its encompassing wetlands.

The aerial survey that took place was comprehensive, highlighting the scale of the migration, and helping inform strategic conservation efforts to ensure sustainability for both the wildlife and people who depend on the landscape.

The survey revealed that the GNML is home to the largest population of migratory antelope on Earth, comprising significant numbers of white-eared kob, tiang, Mongalla gazelle, and Bohor reedbuck.

 A comparison with surveys done in the 1980s shows that there have been declines in most sedentary species – such as elephant and giraffe – which need year-round access to water and which do not exhibit a migratory pattern, further highlighting the need for proper conservation of the landscape outside Boma and Badingilo national parks.

The support and engagement of local communities is key © Marcus Westberg

The success of wildlife conservation in South Sudan is deeply intertwined with the support of and engagement with local communities. Numerous ethnic groups hold territory[EI2.1] within the area, including the Dinka, Murle, Anyuak, Jie, Toposa, Nyangatom, Nuer, Mundari, Bari, Lokoya, Madi, Luluba, Lopit, and Boya. Each of these communities has deep cultural traditions, and livelihood activities that are firmly embedded and heavily reliant on wildlife and the vast landscapes they inhabit.
The commercialisation and illegal extraction of resources pose a significant threat to the sustainability of wildlife migration and the local communities that rely on the landscape for their livelihoods and cultural wellbeing.
Community-focused initiatives are a cornerstone of our conservation efforts, ensuring that the guardianship of this migration and its supporting ecosystem provides ongoing sustainability for the livelihoods of local people. By engaging with the local communities, we can build partnerships for effective conservation that are mutually beneficial for the landscape as a whole and all who rely on it.
 

The migration journeys from the South Sudan savannah across the border into Gambella National Park, Ethiopia, crossing many diverse habitats and ecosystems including the White Nile, which is a lifeline for both wildlife and communities.

Witnessing the largest mammal migration on the planet is a powerful reminder of both the beauty and fragility of our natural world. Together with the Government of South Sudan and partners, African Parks is working to ensure the sustainability and survival of this migration for the benefit of many generations to come.