3 November 2026
Locations: Heywa, Ngicnga, Pagil, Mengbil, and Barow
Mission Overview
Agency for Conservation and Development (ACD) conducted a three-day field mission covering 52 kilometres to install camera traps in five villages along the Canal. The team comprised 15 Community Wildlife Ambassadors (CWAs) and three ACD staff: the Biometric Officer, Head of CWAs and Community Engagement Officer. The mission aimed to verify reported lion presence and, where possible, establish the number of individual lions.
Background
The mission followed ten days of peace dialogues in Mengbil, Chuilbong, Pagil and Ngicnga villages, where chiefs, armed youths, cattle keepers and women discussed human–lion conflict. Communities reported that lions had killed at least 17 cattle and 23 goats since May 2026, particularly around Chuilbong village. Reports suggesting hundreds of lions in the area remain unverified.
Progress and Initial Findings
Camera traps were installed across Heywa, Ngicnga and Barow villages between 29 October – 3 November. Following installation in Heywa on 29 October, cameras ACD02, ACD08 and ACD06 recorded lion images by the morning of 30 October. Initial review suggested eight lions: one male, four females and three young lions. However, differences in camera timestamps and difficulties distinguishing individuals mean that repeat detections cannot be ruled out. The images confirm lion presence, but the number of distinct individuals remains provisional.
The team also observed hundreds of white-eared kob, indicating the presence of a potential natural prey base. Further monitoring is needed to understand how prey availability relates to livestock predation.
Ongoing Work
ACD is mapping lion habitats and movement routes in 11 villages, 5 pools, and 3 streams along the Jonglei Canal to improve understanding of wet- and dry-season patterns. Continued camera monitoring and community engagement will inform practical measures to reduce encounters between lions, livestock and people.
The exercise expected to end on 13 November 2026 with Pagil village peace rallies.
These activities are made possible through the support of the Lion Recovery Fund (LRF).