By Steve Paterno

November 22, 2010 — I am finally able to view the National Geographic TV program, the “Great Migrations.” It is a fascinating TV show, telling the tales of millions of animals from around the world, where their survival and livelihood are dependent on their instinctive intuition, sheer numbers, and ability to move. On the plains; in the air; on tree branches; underwater; and on the ice; they move—they move to live.

For example, the wildebeest, in their million, trek thousands of miles within the plains of Kenya and Tanzania, facing predators along the way that feast on them. Even though a quarter of them face death during the journey, the ever resilience wildebeest continue with the cycle every season. There are the Mali Elephants, which cover about 300 miles per season. These Elephants can forecast the weather better than their human counterparts. As the season changes, the nomadic tribes normally follow the Elephants migratory route in search of pasture and water. In a unique ritual, the Elephants usually stop the march whenever one of them fallen; and then complete what may amount into Elephant funeral. Then there are the monarch butterfly, migrating from Canada to Mexico every season in search of warmer temperature. Estimated at over 100 millions, the butterfly cover a total of over 5,000, miles for a round trip, with four generations interval to complete the entire journey.

As fascinating as all these animal spices are, the ones from South Sudan provides a remarkably unique story. From 1983 through 2005, Sudan endured a devastating civil war. Over two million people are estimated dead, and along with it, the fear that all the wildlife are decimated as well. However, by 2007, an aerial survey conducted by National Geographic, revealed a startling discovery of wild animals thriving in numbers. The animal seasonal migrations of South Sudan is actually among the largest in the world, similar in scale or even larger than the trek of wildebeests and zebras in Serengeti National Park.

Ever since this new discovery, there have been a lot of growing interest in South Sudanese wild animals. Several western mainstream media are carrying this amazing story in their outlets. Conservation efforts are put in motion to protect the animals. Also, some investors are making rounds in the region to capitalize on the opportunities these animals can offer. However, a deal to lease part of Southern Sudanese Boma National Park to a United Arab Emirates company for lodging and hunting, sparks controversy throughout the world. The USA are among the countries dissatisfied with the deal involving the United Arab Emirates company. The Americans are already providing resource for wildlife conservation efforts through USAID. The USA Special Envoy to Sudan made a pitch on behalf of USA government by traveling to Boma National Park, in effort to safeguard eco-tourism for South Sudan.

Like their human counterparts, the potential for survival for this great wild is going to depend on the fragile Sudanese peace, lack of outside intrusions, and sheer luck. In the best case scenario, it is going to come down to both, the South Sudanese people and the animals to protect and complement the livelihood of one another. One will wish that the South Sudanese generations to come will not just watch this great animal migrations on their TV screens, but witness this spectacular world phenomenon live as it does happen.

Steve Paterno is the author of The Rev. Fr. Saturnino Lohure, A Romain Catholic Priest Turned Rebel. He can be reached at stevepaterno@yahoo.com