In Warrap State, the wildlife department has sanctioned
the killing of aggressive animals in the area, including hippopotamuses and
hyenas.
“Hippopotamus attack is dangerous; it is a threat to
human life. As of now, we cannot do anything because it is out of our hands as
the department of wildlife,” said Col. Malith Marach Mawien, director of the
wildlife department.
The order comes amidst increasing cases of wild animal
attacks in the area.
A 55-year-old lady was assaulted this week by a
hippopotamus, who also left three other people hurt.
The incident happened at Kuac Amuol village in Tualei
Payam County on Wednesday morning.
In addition, a 28-year-old woman and her 3-year-old child sustained serious injuries after a hyena attacked them at Majok Awan village in Gogrial West County recently.
Col. Mawien revealed that the decision was made because
of the present flood conditions, which make it easier for the aquatic mammal to
assault locals.
March urges the community to protect themselves and
report when they see Hippo in the area.
“So, the community must defend itself. If there is a way
to kill hippos or other wild animals, then they can do that, because the life
of a human being is much more important than that of an animal,” he added.
Wildlife constitutes an important national natural wealth and heritage of South Sudan, according to Wildlife Conservation and National Parks Act, 2003.
Unless wildlife poses a threat to human safety, it is illegal under the Act to kill it.
“Shooting shall be resorted to only where no other
alternative is possible or feasible,” reads Article 31 (a).