GEOGRAPHY PAPER 3 UGANDA: WILDLIFE CONSERVATION

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION

Wildlife Conservation in Uganda is the protection and sustainable use of the country’s wildlife. It became a significant movement during the British colonial period in the early 20th century and continues to play a major role in Uganda’s political economy, as it underpins the tourist industry accounting for a fifth of the country’s exports.

Uganda’s 60 conservation protected areas harbour populations of numerous critically endangered species.

Uganda is home to a vast number of species, including a population of mountain gorillas in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, gorillas and golden monkeys in the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and hippos in the Murchison Falls National Park.

Uganda boasts a number of wetlands that have been listed as Wetlands of International Importance under the Ramsar convention. All these sites are recognized by BirdLife International as Important Bird Areas as well as providing vital habitat for other threatened plants and animals.

Uganda has got different national parks and game reserves and these include the following;

National Parks in Uganda

Nicknamed The Pearl of Africa, the landlocked country of Uganda attracts many visitors each year who become fascinated with its rich culture, diversity of people, exotic wildlife and rich ecosystems. The country boasts some beautiful national parks that are home to a variety of plants, birds and animal species. Below are the national parks that will make you fall in love with Uganda.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
It is very famous for mountain gorilla trekking and gorilla safari. Bwindi National park has a population of around 340 gorillas of which an estimated 116 are habituated. There are at least 120 mammal species living in the forest, the eleven primate species found here include black-and-white colobus and L’Hoest’s monkeys, baboons and chimps.

A VIDEO SHOWING GORILLAS IN BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK

There are also forest elephants and several species of antelopes. Of Bwindi’s 200 butterfly species, 42 are endemic to the Albertine Rift. Also, an estimated 350 bird species with 23 endemics to the Albertine Rift and 14 recorded nowhere else in Uganda.

Kibale National Park
Kibale is one in all the most attractive national parks in Uganda with tropical rainforest and a multiplicity of animals. The most famous of its 13 species is the chimpanzee, our closest relative. Kibale’s 1450 chimpanzees represent Uganda’s largest population of this endangered primate.

The forest is also home to East Africa’s largest population of the threatened red colobus and the rare I’Hoest’s monkey. Other primates include the black-and-white colobus, red-tailed and blue monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabey, olive baboon, bush baby and potto. Also, an estimated 500 elephants are present, along with buffalos, leopards, warthogs, bush pigs, golden cats and duikers. A keen observer may spot reptiles and amphibians as well as a colourful variety of 250 species of butterflies. Kibale national park also boasts of more than 375 species of birds.

A VIDEO SHOWING KIBALE NATIONAL PARK

Kidepo Valley National Park
Kidepo valley is one of Uganda’s most spectacular parks. It contains one of the most exciting faunas of any Ugandan national park. This national park is 1,442 square kilometres. Kidepo harbours scenery that cannot be found in any other parks in East Africa.

It has a profusion of big game and hosts over 77 mammal species as well as around 475 bird species.

A VIDEO SHOWING KIDEPO VALLEY NATIONAL PARK

Lake Mburo National Park
It is the smallest of Uganda’s savannah national parks and underlain by ancient Precambrian metamorphic rocks which date back more than 500 million years.

It is home to 350 bird species as well as zebra, impala, eland, buffalo, oribi, Defassa waterbuck, leopard, hippo, hyena, topi and reedbuck. Together with 13 other lakes in the area, making it one of a birding destination.

A VIDEO SHOWING LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga gorilla national park is the smallest park in the country, it sits high in the clouds, at an altitude of between 2,227m and 4,127m.It was created to protect the rare mountain gorillas that inhabit its dense forests, and it is also an important habitat for the endangered golden monkey, the park also has a huge cultural significance, in particular for the indigenous Batwa pygmies.
This tribe of hunter-gatherers was the forest’s “first people”, and their ancient knowledge of its secrets remains unrivalled.

A VIDEO SHOWING MGAHINGA GORILLA NATIONAL PARK

Mount Elgon National Park
Mt. Elgon is an extinct volcano that first erupted more than 24 million years ago. With the largest surface area of any extinct volcano in the world (50 km by 80 km). The Park is named after Mount Elgon, an extinct shield volcano on the border of Uganda and Kenya. The botanical diversity of the park includes giant podocarpus, juniper and Elgon olive trees cedar Juniperus procera, pillarwood Cassipourea malosana, elder Sambucus adnata, pure stands of Podocarpus gracilior and many orchids. 400 species have been recorded. The park is also home to a variety of small antelope and forest monkeys, including the Black-and-white Colobus and Blue Monkey.

A VIDEO SHOWING MT. ELGON NATIONAL PARK

Over 300 birds can also be found in the area, Elephants and buffalo, Other scenery like cliffs, caves, waterfalls, gorges, mesas, calderas, hot springs, and the mountain peaks. The most popular areas are the four explorable, vast caves where frequent night visitors such as elephants and buffaloes come to lick the natural salt found on the cave walls. Kitum cave, with overhanging crystalline walls, enters 200 m into the side of Mt. Elgon.

Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison falls national park sometimes referred to as Kabarega National Park is the largest park in Uganda and the most visited. It is named after the Murchison falls where the mighty river Nile bangs through a narrow gorge flowing down to be converted into a placid river in the park you will see hippos, waterbucks, crocodiles, buffaloes, elephants, lions, leopard, giraffes, hartebeests, oribis, Uganda kobs, chimpanzees, and many bird species including the rare shoebill. The flora and Fauna at Murchison is characterized by savannah, riverine forest and woodland.

A VIDEO SHOWING MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK

Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth national park along with Kyambura and Kigezi wildlife resource brings together the most diverse ecosystem in Africa. Thousands of hippos populate these water shores. Open savannah dotted with acacia and euphorbia trees provide habitat for, leopards, elephants, lions, Uganda Safari kobs, in addition to big herds of buffaloes. The park also harbours primate species, ten in number which includes chimpanzees and monkeys.

A VIDEO SHOWING QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK

Waterbucks, giant forest hog, topi, hyenas, and crocodiles are among the many animals distinguished frequently in Queen Elizabeth national park. The park is also famous for its volcanic features, comprising volcanic cones and deep craters, many with crater lakes such as Lake Katwe, from which salt is extracted.

Rwenzori Mountains National Park
UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park has Africa’s third highest mountain peak and many waterfalls, lakes, and glaciers. The park is known for its beautiful plant life. The Rwenzori Mountains are higher than the Alps and are ice-capped. Mount Stanley is located in the park. Margherita Peak, one of Mount Stanley’s twin summits, is Africa’s third highest peak with a height of 5,109 m (16,762 ft). Africa’s fourth and fifth highest peaks (Mount Speke and Mount Baker) are also located in the park.

It has a high diversity of plants and trees. The park is noted for its botany, which has been described as some of the most beautiful in the world. There are five distinct vegetation zones in the park, which change according to changes in altitude. The park has 89 species of birds, 15 species of butterfly, and four primate species. You will find forest elephants, chimpanzee, hyrax, black-and-white colobus, L’Hoest’s monkeys, duiker, and Ruwenzori Turaco.

A VIDEO SHOWING RWENZORI MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK

Semliki National Park
The rich habitat of grassland, savannah, forest and wetland is home to diverse fauna, in addition to 400 bird species and 300 butterfly species. It is one of the richest areas of floral and faunal diversity in Africa, with bird species being especially diverse. The park has two hot springs in a hot mineral encrusted swamp. One of the springs – Mumbuga spring – resembles a geyser by forming a 0.5 m high fountain. These hot springs attract a large number of shorebirds and they are a source of salt for many animals. The park has over 60 mammal species, including forest buffalos, leopards, pygmy hippos, Mona Monkeys, water chevrotains, bush babies, civets, elephants, the Pygmy Flying Squirrel (Idiuus zenkeri) and nine species of Duikers.

A VIDEO SHOWING SEMLIKI NATIONAL PARK

Wildlife game reserves in Uganda

The game reserves in Uganda are quite many and the number might grow in the future depending on how fast the Ugandan tourism industry is growing. These game reserves are dispersed in various regions of the country and harbour a lot of wildlife leaving aside the national parks. In fact, with time, some of the game reserves in Uganda will be transformed into national parks depending on how busy they get. Among the game reserves are Toro – Semliki, Matheniko, Katinga, Pian Upe, Ajai, Bokora, Aswa – Lolim plus more.

These game reserves are nice for game viewing safaris in Uganda (also referred to as wildlife viewing) and are alternate place where you can carry out wildlife safaris from in Uganda. They might be less visited but still, they will give you an experience to explore the less explored wilderness of Uganda or carry out more activities like birding or nature walks. See complete list of all game reserves in Uganda.

Katonga Wildlife Reserve
Many of the species of plants and animals in the Katonga Reserve are unique to the reserve’s wetland environment. The vegetation of the Katonga Reserve is mixed Savannah with acacia scrubland or woodlands.

Katonga wildlife reserve is a habitat for over 30 species of mammals including the famous African elephant, waterbucks, the Uganda Kob. It’s outstanding primate species are colobus monkeys and olive baboons. It also harbors over 140 species of birds which makes it one of the best spots for birding safaris in Uganda.

One outstanding fact about Katonga wildlife reserve is the fact that it harbours the scarce Sitatunga Antelope. However, most of the wildlife in the reserve were on a great decline but the outstanding endeavours by the government to shield the wildlife from poaching are showing positive signs as the wildlife is slowly regaining numbers in the game reserve.

The exceptional panoramic views of the wildlife reserve that is made up of an ever green rain-forest plus papyrus swamps and savanna vegetation are a home for various wildlife and birds that make the amazing views of the Reserve.

The wildlife reserve is situated on the furthest steeps of the famous valley of Katonga river. A safari to Katonga wildlife reserve gives you the opportunity to cruise on a canoe as you trail through a shallow channel and it’s swampy areas.

A VIDEO SHOWING KATONGA WILDLIFE RESERVE

Katonga wildlife reserve is situated in between the districts of Kamwenge and Ibanda, west of Uganda just near River Katonga. The reserve sits on an area of approximately 200 square kilometers about 4 hours from Kampala. The reserve was born in 1998 and slots up among the list of protected wildlife areas in Uganda.

Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve
The Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve is a conservation area in the Karamoja subregion of northeastern Uganda. It is the second largest conservation protected area in Uganda.  Most of the Reserve is covered by undisturbed grassland and wooded grassland. Small areas of riverine woodland, kopjes also exist. Dominant tree species are red acacia and desert date. Also present are bushwillows, Harrisonia abyssinica and red spike-thorns. Shrubs include butterfly pea and wooly caper bush. It is home to enormous rock pythons and smaller but venomous puff adders. Harmless water snakes, lizards are also found there.

Touring Pian Upe means exploring the second widest protected area in Uganda after Murchison falls National Park. Situated in Karamoja region, Pian Upe wildlife reserve sits on approximately 2800 sq km making it one of the biggest wildlife reserves in the country. This wildlife reserve is not so far away from Kidepo Valley National Park and Mount Elgon National Park (The home of Sipi Falls) implicating choosing either parks as destination for your Uganda safari will definitely increase your chances of touring Pian Upe wildlife reserve.

Some of the wildlife in the reserve include giraffes, lions, leopards, Zebras, buffaloes plus more wildlife. The reserve is also a good place for Uganda birding safaris considering the array of the amazing bird species that reside in the reserve. Some of the birds include the Ostrich, the Jackson’s Hornbill, the white-headed Buffalo-weaver plus more. These birds can best be viewed in a swamp called Loporokocho.

A VIDEO SHOWING PIAN UPE WILDLIFE RESERVE

Leave along the amazing species of birds in the reserve, the game reserve also harbours various species of primate-like the vervet monkey and the extinct olive baboons. The existence of these primates makes it possible to view different species of wildlife at the reserve. Pian Upe is also shelters several of the rock pythons and Savannah monitors (largest lizards).

Matheniko Game Reserve
The Matheniko Wildlife Reserve is a conservation area in the Karamoja subregion of northeastern Uganda. It is the fifth most-threatened conservation protected area in Uganda. Matheniko is a part of the corridor of protected areas that stretches from Kidepo National Park down through Bokora and Pian Upe Wildlife Reserves. The Reserve’s northeastern boundary is also the Uganda-Kenya border.

This game reserve currently harbours a few species of wildlife though it’s not so busy compared to the rest.

The Game reserve has nice species of vegetation despite its location. The Uganda Wildlife Authority has put a lot of emphasis on developing the tourism infrastructure of the game reserve in the past years. A few years ago, bidders were sought in a campaign to raise funds for constructing an accommodation facility at the Game Reserve.

Aswa – Lolim Game Reserve

The Aswa – Lolim Game Reserve is one of the un-common wildlife reserves in Uganda. Aswa – Lolim was a game reserve in northern Uganda but unfortunately It was de-gazetted in 1972 which is part of the reasons why very few people recognize it today with majority ignorant about its existence in the Uganda tourism sector.

Aswa – Lolim Game Reserve is situated in the far north of Murchison Falls National Park (Kabalega National Park) and it’s aim was to provide a strict dispersal and free migration area for several wildlife from Murchison Falls National Park which includes the elephants, the giraffes, the Kobs plus more wildlife.

It falls Between the great Albert Nile and Gulu town, North of Uganda right on the west bank of the Albert Nile sitting on high rolling hills stripped by a number of rivers which include the “Aswa” and “Lolim”; the two names that define Aswa – Lolim Game Reserve.

However, in 2010 the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) gave privileges to an extinct group known as the Aswa – Lolim Wildlife Association with aims of managing the relevant wildlife migration routes in the area of the game reserve. Currently, Aswa – Lolim is an array of large ranches and farms, but the wildlife that resides in it are still being protected by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).

Ajai Game Reserve

Unlike the other Game Reserves, Ajai Game Reserve / Ajai wildlife reserve is located North-West of Uganda in a district called Arua. The terrain elevation of the game reserve is claimed to be 658 meters above sea level. As per history, Ajai Game Reserve was put under the personal watch and protection of a local powerful leader by then named Ajai in the year 1937. Up to 1980, the game reserve has protected one of the less remaining populations of White Rhinos in Uganda, that are now extinct in this reserve. Several plans to reintroduce the Rhino in this Ugandan future park are underway and head by the Ugandan Government & Rhino Fund.

Ajai Game Reserve is made up of plains of grasses, a couple of woodlands and swamps. It is a bit hard to access because of the poor road that leads to it but is very accessible by road from Gulu. Apparently, there is no accommodation available at the reserve. Tourists who visit Ajai Game Reserve either connect to Murchison Falls National Park or Gulu Town for an overnight.

This game reserve was established to protect the white rhinos which are very few in numbers here in Uganda due to poaching. Several animals live along in the park with the white rhinoceros. These animals include the Uganda Kob, Common Duiker, Olive baboon, Black & White Colobus, bush-buck, buffalo, hartebeest, warthog, hippopotamuses, waterbucks and a large species of bird. Ajai Game reserve is also a great spot for birding tours.

Ajai Game reserve lies on the west bank of the Albert Nile and is covered grassland. It’s climate is tropical. and mainly receives heavy rain in the months of April, May, October and November. Reaching Ajai game reserve takes approximately 6 and 1/2 hours by road from Kampala and a few minutes by flight in case a tourist opts for a flight from Kampala to Arua.

Bokora Corridor Game Reserve

Bokora Corridor Game Reserve is part of the corridor wildlife reserves in Karamoja region. Bokora Corridor Game Reserve is situated in the dry plains of eastern Uganda and the fact that it’s roads are not in good condition makes it hard to be accessed especially in the wet (Rainy) seasons of the year. Bokora Corridor Game Reserve can best be accessed by a bad condition road in the dry season only.

At the moment, there is no accommodation available at the reserve but Uganda Wildlife Authority is planning on constructing simple facilities for accommodation. The wildlife that reside in Bokora Corridor Game Reserve includes the Giraffe, Gazelle, eland, Antelope plus more animals. A wide variety of birds also reside in Bokora Corridor Game Reserve which makes a favourite spot for birding safaris in Uganda.

Notably, there is a fact you have to know about these corridor game reserves. Karamojongs are portioned into separate ethnic groups which include the Bokora, the Upe, the Pian and the Matheniko who reside in respective game reserves that carry their ethnic name. The Bokora reside in the Bokora Corridor Game Reserve.

The Pian Upe game reserve sits on an area approximated to be 2801 square kilometers stretching from Mountain Kadam all the way to Mountain Napak on it’s North. In the reserve, circle resides a variety of wildlife like the extinct Rothschild’s Giraffe, zebras, lions, leopards, buffaloes plus more species. Pian Upe game reserve is so far considered the largest game reserve in Uganda.

Portioning with the Bokora corridor game reserve and Matheniko game reserve, these three games reserves put into place a broader ecosystem of mountains and Savannah all lying in a semi-arid area. There are a lot of birds around their swamp terrains which creates an environment for birding safaris. Notably, of all the swamps; the best swamp for birding is the Loporokocho swamp because of the presence of species of birds that difficult to spot elsewhere in it. Such extinct birds that are found in Loporokocho swamp include the Ostrich, Jackson’s Hornbill, the White-headed Buffalo-Weaver plus so many more species of birds.

Toro – Semliki Wildlife Reserve

The Tooro Semliki Wildlife Reserve lies close to the western border of Uganda. The nearest town to the Tooro Semliki wildlife reserve is Fort Portal, which is situated approximately 33 km south of the reserve. This wildlife reserve sits on majority of the western Rift Valley landscape inbetween Lake Albert and the famous Rwenzori Mountains which are considered 2 of the various unique features that border the reserve. The Tooro Semliki wildlife reserve is a very important piece in the Uganda tourism industry.

Southwest of the Tooro Semliki Wildlife Reserve are the 3rd highest elevated mountains in Africa, none other than the Rwenzori Mountains. North to the reserve is the famous Lake Albert, the furthest-north of the so called great rift lakes. Appearing as one of the few spots where the extinct shoebill bird can be found, Lake Albert is a great destination for birding tours in Uganda. West of the reserve is the broad Congolese rain forest that contains one of the richest, most extinct species reservoirs in the world and one of the planet’s biggest covers of the un-logged forest.

A VIDEO SHOWING TORO – SEMLIKI WILDLIFE RESERVE

Due to the fact that it’s just next to the Rwenzori Mountains, it’s possible for tourists on safaris to Uganda to extend their Uganda safari to Tooro – Semliki wildlife reserve and carry out a few activities like birding, wildlife viewing and more depending on the preference on the drafted safari itinerary and requests from Ugandan tourists.

The location of the nature-blessed Tooro Semliki wildlife reserve is right at the junction of so many extinct habitats and tropical rainforest on the shores of Lake Albert. The beautiful escarpment ecotone that lies far-east of the Tooro Semliki wildlife reserve, the Rwenzoris in the south, not forgetting the grassland at the core of the reserve totals up for an abundant and extinct population and species of birds that are claimed to exceed four-hundred species.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary / Reserve is fit for an exceptional recognition and is quite huge under the sponsorship of the European Union. This project re-introduced the extinct rhinos in Uganda and aims to increase it’s numbers with years. Most of our Uganda safaris tours to Murchison Falls National Park have brief stopovers at this Rhino Sanctuary.

Its first phase was in 2001 when the Uganda Wildlife Education Center (UWEC) that is situated in Entebbe got 2 white rhinos. When they received the Rhinos, an array beginning with 5 rhinos were placed in highly protected and fenced areas of approximately 68 square kilometers.

Till today there are 2 young rhinos with the last one being born in 2009. It’s claimed they will be shifted to Murchison Falls National Park and Kidepo Valley National park when they increase in numbers. The Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife ranch is situated in Nakasongola district and is the habitat of the only wild rhinos in Uganda. The Rhino revival project is an initiative of two organizations, Rhino Fund Uganda and Uganda Wildlife Authority.

A VIDEO SHOWING RHINO TRACKING IN ZIWA RHINO SANCTUARY

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is situated about one hundred and seventy-six kilometres (approximately 100 miles) north of Kampala on the Gulu highway as you are heading towards Murchison Falls National Park. Before reaching Murchison Falls National Park, you branch off at Nakitoma trading center. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the only place in Uganda where you will get the opportunity to see rhinos in the wild.

At the moment the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is a habitat to fifteen southern white rhinos. Ziwa Rhino sanctuary has become very popular with tourists in the recent years. It’s a perfect spot for rhino trekking, nature walks, bird watching and relaxation.

You’ve read it all about Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, want to see Rhinos in the wild? Book a Uganda Safari with us today and be part of the amazing Rhino tracking experience in the country for the best price.

Conservation Challenges

Human encroachment on wildlife habitats is one of the biggest challenges to UWA and conservation in general. The main cause of this are changes in land use and the increasing search for farmland which lead to a decrease in the wildlife range.

UWA has a team of skilled staff to respond to reports about crop raiding and threats to livestock and to communities. These are dealt with using methods such as scare shooting to chase the problem animals back into the protected area; capturing and translocation; and sensitizing the communities.

As a last resort, individual animals that fail to return to the protected area may be sport hunted or killed in order to reduce the threat. Those killed under sport hunting generate revenue for the communities through the hunting fees, which in turn discourages poaching and contributes to conservation.

The benefits of wildlife

Revenue Sharing Program

Uganda Wildlife Authority gives back 20% of the park entrance revenue to the neighbouring communities for livelihood projects.

Employment of the rural communities in tourism enterprises

The Park has been supporting communities in employment of communities to work at different capacities, ranging from support staffs e.g. porter, and full-time employees as rangers and wardens. Special attention is given to the locals surrounding the park during recruitment exercises.

Direct sale and supply of goods and services to tourism enterprises

One of the main ways in which local people seek to earn income from tourists is through selling produce and services, such as fruits, handicrafts or guided tours, directly to them.

Establishment and running of tourism enterprises by the local people

These include accommodation establishments, catering, transport, retail outlets, guiding and entertainment. The formation of these enterprises at the local level have placed power and control in the hands of the local people.

Voluntary giving/support by tourism enterprises and tourists

Voluntary support in money or in kind, given by visitors or tourism enterprises to the local people is very evident in areas surrounding the parks.

Other benefits of tourism include;

Other than the above benefits, other collaborative programs where communities benefit directly from the National Park include resource access such as fuel wood, grass, water, fish, bee keeping among others.