The rate of illegal animal poaching at Lantoto National Game Park in South Sudan’s Yei River State is declining, a local official said.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Monday, Tore County Commissioner, Martin Mulai Dodo said the absence of poachers allows wild animals to co-exist peacefully in the park.

He said rare animal species such as hippopotamuses have been spotted crossing the nearby villages of the county in recent months.

“Animals are like human beings, they will not move closer once there are continuous gunshots in the area. At the park, there are varieties of animal species. It happened in recent months where six hippopotamuses and other animals crossed from one area to another,” said Mulai.

“I can see the rate of illegal animal poaching is declining,” he added.

The official further said the armed forces deployed to the area are conducting continuous patrols.

Lantoto borders Garamba National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.