Abstract

The dynamic relationship between humans, cattle and wildlife is currently undergoing significant changes due to population growth, the finite nature of terrestrial resources, and unpredictable atmospheric conditions. While this shift offers benefits for food security, nutrition and livelihoods as animal populations expand, it also presents certain risks. In South Sudan, pastoral practices contribute to varying grazing intensities. This study examines the dynamics of livestock populations and grazing intensities in Central Equatoria State, South Sudan. To assess grazing intensities (GI) in different counties, a Tropical Livestock Unit (TLU)-based methodological approach was used. Grazing intensities were categorized into four levels: Low (0-50,000 TLU), medium (50,001-100,000 TLU), high (100,001-150,000 TLU) and very high (above 150,001 TLU). The results show significant variations (p < 0.001) in the number of cattle recorded per county at different grazing intensities. Among the six counties, Terekeka County had "very high" cattle numbers, Juba and Lanya counties recorded high numbers, while Morobo and Kajokeji had low cattle numbers. Schematic mapping also revealed that livestock migrations are influenced by factors such as communal conflicts and the safety of pastoralists, resulting in both normal and abnormal transhumance patterns. Based on the results, it was concluded that the grazing pressure a pasture can sustain depends on the type, number or population index of livestock present.

Key words: Grazing intensities, Tropical Livestock Unit (TLU), livestock migration, Biomass Standard Average (BSA).