A top animal conservationist has appealed to South Sudanese communities around Boma National Park to conserve natural forests and avoid poaching.

Speaking on Radio Tamazuj’s Agriculture and Wildlife programme, Gen. Borol Oleyo, Director General of the Boma National Park said wildlife poaching is a great challenge facing them.

“As you know very that our people are suffering due to lack of food, so they resort to kill animals for meat,” Oleyo said.

The top wildlife officer explained that tourism plays an important role to the country’s economy. He urged all communities round the park to protect forests and animals.

“I want to tell our people that our animals will be like oil in our country, so let’s protect our wildlife,” he said.

He pointed out that they always raise awareness about the significance of wildlife in the growth of the tourism sector. “Poor infrastructure is affecting the tourism sector in South Sudan, but I am sure peace will help improve our tourism,” he said.

He stressed that the government of South Sudan is keen to invest in the tourism sector, urging the citizens to help eradicate the illegal wildlife trade.

Described as East Africa's largest savanna eco-system, Boma National Park in greater Jonglei region was established in 1986 and is located close to the Ethiopian border covering 22,800 square kilometres.

The park is home to a variety of animals: white-eared kob, Tiang and Mongalla Gazelle. Other large species are African buffalo, African elephant, leopard, giraffe, plains zebra, onyx, hartebeest and cheetah.