Animals in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Tracking and sighting the mountain gorilla has always been something of a quest for most travelers to Uganda and the verdant Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has more than its fair share of these endangered Giant Apes, with an estimated 458 individuals living in four different sectors (Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija, and Nkuringo). However, meeting face to face with these Great Apes shouldn’t be a pre-requisite or even the priority of a trip to this 321-square-kilometer Protected Area because there are more animals to behold in this African jungle.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is undeniably one of the biodiversity hot spots and therefore a renowned wildlife viewing safari destination in the African Continent. About 120 mammal species call this Park home and it is possible to see about 11 primate species and African game like leopards, forest elephants, spotted hyenas, serval cats, African wild dogs, forest buffaloes, and lots of antelope species.

Mountain Gorillas

Mountain gorillas are the commonest animals in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and about 458 of the World’s 1063 mountain gorillas are found here. A number of gorilla groups in this Park have been fully habituated for tracking by visitors, while one gorilla family in the Rushaga sector can be visited for the Gorilla Habituation Experience.

These Giant Apes only live in the wild and the only way to see them is to book a gorilla safari, for a chance to track them through the verdant and thick rainforest as well as across the hills in the company of trained Park Rangers. The process of tracking mountain gorillas is not a simple walk in the Park but rather physically demanding at the end, travelers are introduced to the tightly-knit family of 5-30 individuals led by a dominant silverback.

Scientifically known as Gorilla beringei beringei, Mountain gorillas weigh between 100 and 250 kilograms and are marked by a standing height of 4 to 5 feet hence making them extremely intimidating but you will be amazed by how calm and gentle they are. These creatures are marked by longer and thicker fur (compared to other gorilla sub-species) and this has enabled them to thrive in their natural habitats (mountainous and with dense vegetation).

Other primates

Besides mountain gorillas, other 10 primate species are found in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and these include Olive baboons, Black and white colobus monkeys, Chimpanzees, L’Hoests monkeys, Demidoff’s Galago, blue monkeys, Spectacled Galago, the red-tailed monkeys, to mention but a few.

Other forest mammals

You will be amazed by the remarkable forest species found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and these include forest elephants, clawless otters, bush pigs, side-stripped jackals, giant forest hogs, yellow-backed duikers, Black-fronted duikers, civets, leopards, Sitatunga (the wetland-dwelling antelopes) and civets among others.

Birds

This incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the 33 Important Bird Areas in Uganda and undeniably one of the best birding destinations in the World. It shelters over 350 birds that include 23 Albertine Rift endemic species, and 25 species that are restricted-range species. As you explore this beautiful National Park through guided forest walks, you will be treated to endless sights and sounds of different colorful bird species that include the Grauer’s swamp warblers, handsome francolin, the outstanding African green-broadbill, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, short-tailed warblers, Lagden’s bush shrike, Fraser’s eagle owls, Doherty’s bush shrike, the black-billed turaco, Regal sunbirds, Kivu ground thrush, the black-billed turaco, African harrier hawks, Cinnamon-chested bee-eater, Jameson’s antpecker, the African Olive pigeon, African Emerald Cuckoo, strange weavers, Rwenzori batis, the Black-headed sunbirds, Neumann’s warblers, Yellow-streaked greenbuls, Olive-breasted greenbuls, Purple-breasted sunbirds, Rwenzori nightjar, mountain-masked Apalis, Rwenzori Apalis, Black bee-eaters and so much more.

birds in bwindi impenetrable national park

Reptiles

Approximately 14 snake species, 9 of which are endemic to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, 14 lizard species, and 6 different chameleon species are found in this spectacular Protected Area and if you are a reptile lover, then this safari destination is your perfect place to be.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Amphibian species

Approximately 27 Amphibian species including 11 that are endemic to the Albertine Rift Valley, 6 species of Important Global Conservation interest (such as the Ahl’s reed frogs, the Kivu reed frogs, and African leaf folding frogs) call the lush rainforest of Bwindi home. These amphibian species can be spotted during guided forest walks, conducted all year round.