Key species

South Sudan has a wide range of habitats supporting a rich diversity of animals and plants. It is home to one of the great migrations in the world – the white-eared kob (Kobus kob leucotis), tiang (Damaliscus lunatus tiang), Mongalla gazelle (Eudorcas albonotata), and bohor reedbuck (Redunca redunca). The country is a stronghold for the endangered shoebill (Balaeniceps rex) and the black-crowned crane (Balearica pavonina). South Sudan also has many species of reptiles, freshwater fish and plants, including many endemic species.

Pressures and Threats

Direct threats to biodiversity in South Sudan include: wildlife poaching and trafficking; deforestation from charcoal production and illegal logging of hardwoods; expansion of livestock and agriculture; habitat fragmentation, including from extractive industries; human-wildlife conflict; and impacts of climate change, including increasing desertification and changing growing seasons.