Snakes in Bwindi – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in southwestern Uganda in the districts of Kabale, Kisoro, and Kanungu.
Bwindi is a tropical rainforest that experiences a tropical climate characterized by heavy rainfall and hot temperatures. It receives about 1,400 mm to 1,900 mm of rain annually, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 7–15°C to a maximum of 20–27°C.
Bwindi is known for its high population of mountain gorillas living in its four sectors. The park covers an area of 331 sq. km at the edge of the Albertine Rift. It was established as a national park in 1991 and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.
Snakes in Bwindi National Park
Bwindi is home to various reptiles, including 14 snake species, nine of which are endemic to the park. Some of the snakes found in Bwindi are:
- Puff Adder: This snake is highly venomous. It has large, hinged front fangs capable of delivering a painful bite.
- Black Mamba: This highly venomous snake belongs to the Elapidae family. It is well-known for its aggressive behavior and attacks on humans.
- Rock Python: This snake is one of the largest species and is non-venomous.
- African Tree Cobra: This venomous snake is endemic to Bwindi. It is large and long with a small head and large eyes. It is agile and comfortable in trees, on the ground, and in water.
- Gunther’s Green Tree Snake: This is a small, long snake with mild venom. It has an oval, flattened head. It moves at night and rests during the day.
- Great Lakes Bush Viper: This venomous snake is endemic to Africa. Males are smaller than females. The snake has a distinctive black arrowhead marking on top of its head.
What to know about Snakes
Snakes are carnivores. Their diet depends on the species and includes: Rodents, Insects, Amphibians like frogs and toads, Eggs, Fish, Earthworms and Slugs.
The snakes in Bwindi live in the dense vegetation of the forest. Some also inhabit water bodies such as rivers in the park.
Snakes are not aggressive and usually move away when approached. They only bite when threatened by humans.
Snakes have various defensive mechanisms, such as hissing or playing dead. They use venom or constriction to kill their prey.
Importance of Snakes in the Ecosystem
Below is some of the importance of snakes in the ecosystem.
- Snakes control pest populations by feeding on rodents and insects, reducing the spread of diseases carried by these pests.
- They are an essential part of the food web as prey for some animals and birds.
- Snakes contribute to nutrient cycling through the decomposition of their bodies, returning elements like nitrogen and carbon to the soil.
- They aid in soil aeration by burrowing and moving through the soil, improving water infiltration and root growth for plants.
The best time to visit Bwindi is during the dry season, from June to August and December to February. During these months, the trails are dry, making passage easier.
Encounters with snakes can be intimidating, but they are shy creatures that prefer to avoid human contact.
