Wildlife in Bwindi impenetrable National park

Wildlife in Bwindi impenetrable National park- Bwindi is located in southwestern Uganda, covering about 331 sq kilometers with both montane and lowland forests. Bwindi was established as a national park in 1991 and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.

The primary reason for turning Bwindi into a national park was to protect and conserve the endangered Mountain Gorillas. As a result, Bwindi is the top destination for gorilla trekking worldwide.

Bwindi is home to 120 mammal species, 27 frog species, 400 tree species, 1,000 flowering plants, 350 bird species, and 200 butterfly species, all residing in its dense forests. The first gorilla group to be opened for trekking was the Mubare Gorilla Group, and the park currently has 20 gorilla groups available for trekking, with some also available for gorilla habituation.

Living up to its name, “Impenetrable Forest,” Bwindi’s thick forest cover makes it challenging to navigate, with some animals hiding in the dense undergrowth. The park experiences a tropical climate with annual rainfall ranging from 1,400 mm to 1,900 mm, and temperatures ranging from a minimum of 7°C to 15°C and a maximum of 20°C to 27°C.

Bwindi is managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, a government agency responsible for tourism in the park. Several conservation efforts, led by the Uganda Wildlife Authority in collaboration with international organizations, work tirelessly to protect the park’s rich biodiversity.

Wildlife in Bwindi impenetrable National park

The animals in Bwindi are categorized into herbivores, carnivores, amphibians, reptiles, and primates:

1. Primates: Bwindi is home to 10 primate species, with Mountain Gorillas being the main tourist attraction. Other primates include Chimpanzees, Black and White Colobus Monkeys, Red-tailed Monkeys, L’Hoest’s Monkeys, Blue Monkeys, Vervet Monkeys, and Olive Baboons. Mountain gorillas are the only primates that can be habituated for tourism.

2. Herbivorous Animals: Herbivores are animals that primarily feed on plants and have specialized mouthparts for rasping and grinding. The herbivores in Bwindi include African Forest Elephants, Sitatunga, Bushbuck, Giant Forest Hogs, Common Warthogs, Bush Pigs, Black- fronted Duikers, and Squirrels.

3. Carnivores: Carnivores are animals that feed on meat, obtaining their food and energy from animal tissues through hunting or scavenging. Carnivores in Bwindi include Side-striped Jackals, African Golden Cats, African Civets, Honey Badgers, and the African Clawless Otter.

4. Amphibians: Amphibians can exploit both aquatic and terrestrial habitats. The word “amphibian” comes from the Greek word “amphibios”, meaning “living a double life.” Amphibians in Bwindi include Frogs, Toads, and Salamanders.

5. Reptiles: Bwindi is home to several species of reptiles, though many are rarely seen due to the thick forest cover. Reptiles in Bwindi include Snakes such as the Great Lakes Bush Viper, Pale-headed Forest Snake, African Tree Cobra, and Gunther’s Green Tree Snake. Other reptiles include Lizards, Skinks, Chameleons, and Geckos.

Bwindi can be visited all year round, but the dry season is the best time due to easier access to trails. The dry months are from June to September and December to February.

Bwindi offers a rich array of animal species and unforgettable wildlife experiences, making it a prime destination for tourists.