Juba, 13 March 2017 - The number of animals killed by poachers in South Sudan is increasing at “alarming rate,” according to a conservationist speaking to Miraya Breakfast show on Monday.

Micheal Lopidia, is the chief of party and Deputy country director of Wildlife Conservation Society – WCS in South Sudan.

He says, “Killing remains the biggest threat to wildlife in South Sudan.” He noted that the wildlife is under a great threat of extinction if efforts are not made to protect it.

“Elephants have been killed for their ivory, Zebras were last seen in 2008, Rhinos have not been seen, and there are only between 300 and 500 giraffes.”

Following the discussion on the challenges and protection strategies for Wildlife, Lopidia spoke to Samuel Pawon and called for greater cooperation between the communities, security and the government to preserve South Sudan’s wildlife.

Listen to the interview here