The Animals of Bwindi
Bwindi is located in South western Uganda covering about 331 sq kilometres with both montane and low land forests.
Bwindi was established as a national park in 1991 and as a UNESCO world Heritage site in 1994 .
The major reason for turning Bwindi into a National Park was because of the Mountain gorillas that were widely endangered and needed protection and conservation.
For this case Bwindi is the major destination for gorilla trekking world wide .
Bwindi has 120 mammal species , 27 frog species , 400 tree species , 1000 flowering plants , 350 bird species and 200 butterfly species all habited in the forest.
The first gorilla group to be open for trekking was Mubare gorilla group also the Park currently has 20 gorilla groups open for trekking and some available for gorilla habituation .
The forest is living up to its name impenetrable forest with thick forest and thus some animals hide under this thickness.
Bwindi experiences tropical climate being a tropical rainforest with annual rainfall ranges from 1400mm to 1900mm and temperature ranges from minimum 7 to 15°C and to a maximum of 20 to 27°C.
The Bwindi was established as a national park and it is government by Uganda wildlife Authority a government agency in charge of Tourism in the park.
The park has undergone several conservation efforts by Uganda wildlife Authority In partnership with international organisations that work tirelessly to protect the park’s biodiversity.
The Animals of Bwindi
Animals in Bwindi are categorised into herbicides , carnivores , amphibians , reptiles , primates
1. Primates
Bwindi has 10 primate species habited in the forest with mountain gorillas being the major tourist attractions.
Other primates include ; chimpanzees , Black and white colobus monkeys , Red tailed monkeys , L’horest’s monkey , Blue monkeys , Vervet monkeys, and Olive Baboons.
Mountain gorillas are the only primates which can habituated .
2. Herbivorous Animals
Herbicides are animals that are adapted to eating plants thus have mouth parts for rasping and grinding .
These herbicides include; African Forest Elephants , Sitatunga , Bush back , Giant forest Hogs , Common warthogs , Bush pigs , Black fronted Duikers , Squirrels.
3. Canivores
Carnivores are animals which feed on meat .
These animals food and energy requirements come from animal tissues whether through hunting or scavenging.
These in include ; Side stropped Jackal , African Golden cats , African Covers, Honey Badgers , African Flawless Otter .
4. Amphibians
These are animals with the ability to exploit both aquatic and terrestrial habits.
There name is derived from a Greek amphibios which means living in a double life .
These include frogs , toads and salamanders.
5. Reptiles
The forest is a home to several species of reptiles .
Many of these are rarely seen because if the thick forests.
Reptiles include ; Snakes like Great lakes Bush Viper , Pale Headed forest snake, African Tree Cobra , Gunther’s Green Tree Snake .
Other reptiles are lizards , skinks , Chameleons, Geckos.
Best Time to Visit
Bwindi can be visited all year round but the dry season is the best because the trails are dry.
The dry months are June to September and December to February.
Accommodation
Beindi Orugano lodge
Tree climbing lions view lodge
Beindi neckview Lodge
Bwindi safari lodge
Karungi Camp
Rustic Gorilla cabin
Bwindi forest lodge
By and large , Bwindi has terrific animal species all of which are open for tourism by tourists thus offering a wonderful experience.
