Benon Herbert Oluka
9 October 2008
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Kampala — If Uganda is indeed gifted by nature, then one of the greatest gifts that our 'Pearl of Africa' is blessed with is the extraordinary diversity of its plant and animal population.
Countries seldom get any greener. At least 25 per cent of Uganda is covered by forest and grassland. Each of the more than 10 forests, big and small, which make up this intricately-woven carpet of forest and grassland, has its own unique attribute.
In the 312-square kilometer Mabira forest alone, Uganda boasts one of the most diverse forests on the continent.
Mabira in central Uganda is home to a host of plant and animal species, including 312 tree and shrub species, 199 species of butterflies, 287 species of birds, which constitute about 30 per cent of the country's bird population and about 20 per cent of the small animals, according to statistics from Uganda Safaris Guide.
Records at the Uganda Wildlife Authority also indicate that Uganda boasts of seven of the 18 plant Kingdoms that are on the African continent, the highest representation by any single country. The country is also inhabited by 343 different species of mammals. Even from such a large crop of animals, there are those that stand out as unique to Uganda.
More than half of the world's mountain gorilla population is found in Uganda. The gorillas, of which only about 650 are left in the world, is an endangered species which is only found in two other countries; Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The tree climbing lions in parts of south western Uganda are also a marvel.
Uganda is home to at least 1008 bird species, nearly half of the species known on the African continent, and more than 10 per cent of species identified across the world. Few, if any, other countries have such a variety and diversity of bird species.
They include: bulbul, weaver, crow, shrike, heron, egret, ibis, guinea fowl, mouse bird, lourie, hornbill, pigeon, dove, bee-eater, hoopoe, darter, lily-trotter, marabou stork, kingfisher, fish eagle, kite, and the crested crane, which is also the national emblem.
Sitting astride the equator, Uganda enjoys both the savannah and rainforest zones, which make a conducive environment for the different animal and plant species. From dense tropical forests to the long, lazy savannah grasslands, the diversity of Uganda's flora is only matched by that of our animals; chimpanzees, leopards, rhinoceros, lions, elephants, crocodiles, hippopotamuses, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, antelopes of various types, gazelles and topis. We even have our own Uganda kob.
Over the last few years however, Uganda has lost much of its flora and fauna to neglect by both ordinary citizens and the government. Already, Uganda's total forest cover has fallen by nearly 10 per cent since the country got independence in 1962. Environmentalists warn that the country could lose up to 9 per cent of its present forest cover in the next 30 years.
The recent outcry by ordinary Ugandans when the government wanted to give away a third of Mabira forest showed that Ugandans do care about their country. It is a mentality every Ugandan ought to make a part and parcel of their everyday life if we are to preserve the numerous gifts that nature has bestowed on our country.
FACTS ON MT. RWENZORI
The Rwenzori Mountains lie along the western border of Uganda and rise to a height of 5,100 metres. They comprise the legendary "Mountains of the Moon", a World Heritage Site.
According to data obtained from the Ministry of Tourism, the - -Is known for the vegetation, ranging from tropical rainforest through alpine meadows to snow; and for their animal population, including forest elephants, primate species and numerous endemic birds.
One zone is known for its six-metre/20 foot high heather covered in moss, and another for its giant lobelia.
It is located in a gorgeous national park, rarely visited. There is stunning trekking and optional mountaineering on these mountains.
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