Are There Forest Elephants in Bwindi? Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, located in southwestern Uganda, is famous for its mountain gorillas. However, there are other animals coexisting with the mountain gorillas, such as antelopes, chimpanzees, baboons, monkeys, forest elephants, and many others.
Forest elephants in Bwindi originally came from the Savannah further north but got stuck in the park and adapted to their new environment. They number between 40 and 60 and have grey skin, black coarse hair at the tip of their tails, and large oval-shaped ears that help them survive in their habitat.
It is important to note that forest elephants are at risk of extinction, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Thanks to conservation efforts by the Ugandan government, forest lands were gazetted in 1991, and the Batwa Pygmies, who relied on vegetation, bush-meat, and fruits, were evicted to conserve forest elephants and other wildlife.
Elephants in Bwindi are of two species: forest elephants and savanna elephants. These species differ in features such as the shape of their ears, tusks, and the number of nails on their feet. Due to interbreeding, a mixture of species has led to the development of a new hybrid.
Diet & Habitat
Forest elephants are herbivores, feeding on: 62% trees, 12% bushes and 25% herbs, climbers, grasses, and sedges.
They consume 78 plant species, with nine major food types, and rarely eat fruits. They also enjoy tree bark during the dry season and bamboo during the wet season.
Forest elephants are commonly seen near Mubwindi Swamp. They are known for stripping bamboo in the bamboo zones and breaking trees near the forest edge, rivers, and other permanent water sources.
Reproduction
Forest elephants reproduce slowly, giving birth to one calf every five years. They have a gestation period of two years and typically begin breeding at around 23 years of age.
A newborn elephant weighs about 105 kg and is breastfed for 4–5 years. Their tusks become visible at around 16 months old.
Tourism & Safety
Forest elephants can be seen during nature walks in the park. Tourists are kept safe from potential aggression or attacks with the help of armed game rangers. These rangers use specific communication methods to alert the animals to the presence of people.
Other Animals Seen Alongside Forest Elephants include Duikers, Olive baboons, Buffaloes, Grey-cheeked mangabeys, Red colobus monkeys, Giant forest hogs, and Bush pigs.
By and large, forest elephants are amazing giants that tourists can see during their visits to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
