Wildlife is recovering well in Western Equatoria State as fighting against illegal poaching continues.
Authorities say the number of wild animals in various parks is growing and wildlife rangers are being trained to protect the state’s fauna and flora.State Deputy Director for Wildlife Jonathan Mande told Anisa FM that in a recent tour around the national parks in Western Equatoria officials counted 42 elephants – 34 in Maruko Zone Park, in Ibba County, and eight in Andari Park of Ezo County.
He said many other animals are also living in the parks, including chimpanzees, giraffes, zebras and smaller animals.
Seventy warders and 14 officials from the state wildlife department are being trained by four American experts in wildlife protection in Yambio.
Mr Mande blamed foreigners, especially Congolese hunters, for poaching in the forests bordering with DR Congo.