Are There Scorpions in Bwindi? Scorpions can be found in Bwindi alongside other wildlife species in the park.
Bwindi is a dense forest that supports the survival of scorpions.
Scorpions in Bwindi range from small to medium in size and are not very dangerous to humans, although their sting can cause mild pain and swelling.
Scorpions are nocturnal creatures, meaning they move at night and remain hidden during the day.
They live in leaf litter, under rocks, and inside tree barks. Tourists are advised to stay vigilant while moving in the park.
Safety Tips to Minimize Scorpion Bites
To minimize the risk of scorpion bites, tourists are encouraged to:
- Wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts
- Wear gloves
- Use closed boots or shoes
- Wear gaiters over their boots
Scorpion Species in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Below are some of the scorpion species in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
- Pandius spp (Giant Burrowing Scorpions)
This species is one of the largest in Bwindi and prefers living under rocks or burrowing in the ground. Their venom is not dangerous to humans but causes mild pain and swelling. - Opistophthalmus spp
These are smaller in size compared to Pandius. They are less dangerous, but their sting also causes mild pain and swelling. - Uroplectes spp (African Bark Scorpions)
These are small scorpions that hide under tree barks and rocks.
Read Interesting facts about Bwindi.
Diet of Scorpions
Scorpions feed on:
- Insects
- Other arachnids like mites and ticks
- Larger species of scorpions may also feed on centipedes and millipedes
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park can be visited all year round. However, the best time to visit is during the dry season, from June to August and December to February. During this time, the trails are dry and easier for hiking.
Scorpions are not a major concern in the park, but they play an important role in the ecosystem.
