Interesting Facts about Uganda's Big Five

Interesting Facts about Uganda's Big Five

The term 'Big Five' coined by hunters refers to five of Africa's greatest wild animals, the five most difficult animals in Africa to hunt on foot. These are the Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo and the Rhino. These are one of the main reasons tourists come for a Uganda safari though there are many other animals that reside here. It is amazing to watch the big five especially in their day to day activities.

The Lion

Mention a safari to Uganda, and one animal comes immediately to mind the lion. This, the so-called King of Beasts, is on everybody's list of animals to see. This fascination is no doubt due to the size and awesome power of this large cat, and its hunting prowess.

The Elephant

The Elephant is the largest land mammal and perhaps the continent's most charismatic creature. Elephants have the potential to greatly modify the vegetation of landscapes, destroy the crops of subsistence farmers as well as create wealth through their valuable ivory tusks. Today, visitors to Uganda's wildlife reserves are captivated by the power and grace of these magnificent animals and by their apparent sensitivity and compassion.

The White and Black Rhinoceros

Perhaps the first thing people wonder about the white rhinoceros is why it has its name. It is certainly not white in colour and actually has the same skin tone as its cousin, the black rhino. In fact, the name is thought to have been derived from the Dutch word "weid" meaning "wide" in reference to the animal's broad, wide mouth. The Black Rhinoceros has a hooked, prehensile nose, carrying its head high on its shoulders, as opposed to the low-hanging head and hump-shoulders of its relative, the grazing White Rhino.

The Buffalo

A large herd of buffalo is an unforgettable sight. Heads raised, horns glinting, massive fringed ears and noses twitching in search of danger. Closely related to the domestic cow, the buffalo is one of the most successful and perhaps ecologically important mammals in Uganda. Buffalos are completely dependent upon surface water, so are absent from arid and semi-arid regions but are widespread and common in savannah, woodland and forest environments.

The Leopard

Few animals possess the mysterious aura of the leopard. 'Prince of Darkness' and 'Silent Hunter' are frequent epithets for this traditionally elusive cat. Like the lion, the leopard has been held in awe by generations of people across Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Although an infrequent

man-killer, leopards elicit fear and dread among rural people whose domestic animals may be at risk to these cunning predators.

The big five can be spotted on a Uganda safari to Murchison falls national park in the northwestern part of Uganda.

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