National Parks of Africa - Kibale Forest

Introduction

Kibale National Park is a National Park in western Uganda, protecting moist evergreen rainforest.

The park was created in 1993 to protect a large area of forest previously managed as a logged Forest Reserve (gazetted in 1932). With lush tropical rainforest and a fascinating diversity of animals, Kibale National Park (KNP) is one of the most beautiful and stunning forests in Uganda.

Kibale forest is certainly worth protecting as it is home to the largest number (in Uganda) of our closest living relative, the endangered chimpanzee, as well as the threatened Red Colobus Monkey and the rare. L'Hoest Monkey.

The forest has one of the highest diversity ad density or primates in Africa totaling 13 species including the Black and White Colobus, Blue Monkey, Grey- Cheeked Mangabey, Red Tailed Monkey, Bush Babies and Pottos.

The park also hosts over 325 species of birds including the yellow spotted nicator, yellow rumped tinkerbirds, little greenbul, green breasted pitta, the African pitta, the crowned eagle and the black bee- eater. There are a number of impressive mammals including forest elephants, buffaloes, bush pigs, duikers and bats. A keen observer may see some of the reptiles and amphibians as well as a colorful variety of butterflies. Furthermore, over 250 tree species have been recorded.

The most famous inhabitants of Kibale National Park are the chimpanzees with over 1,450 individuals protected within the park. At Kanyanchu, a community of chimpanzees has been habituated since 1991, allowing visitors the unique opportunity to view these great apes in the natural environment (with more than a 90

Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary

At the eastern edge of Kibale National Park, there is the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, which is managed by the local community. The sanctuary is situated in Magombe swamp and it is known for a wide range of biodiversity including many species of primates such as red colobus monkey, black and white colobus monkey, grey cheeked, mangabey, red tailed monkey, L’Hoest monkey, vervet monkey, blue monkey and baboon. Mammals like Sitatunga, bush pigs, bush bucks, otters, mongooses and chimpanzees, also visit the swamp from Kibale National Park. 138 bird species have so far been identified. One of the main bird species found in the sanctuary is the great blue turaco. Board walks, tree houses that are pavilions for bird watching, visitor information centre, camping site and tourist guides are also available at the sanctuary. What is happening at Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is a good example of a community based approach to natural resources management that can be of economic benefit to the local residents of the area as well as the tourism industry.

The best place to stay is Chimps’ Nest, less then 5 kms away from the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary.

Facts and figures

Kibale National Park is gazetted in 1993. The national park extends southwards from Fort Portal to form a contagious block with the Queen Elizabeth National Park. The parks is 766 km2 in size. The dominant vegetation type is rainforest, interspersed with patches of grassland and swamps. The altitude various from 1100m to 1600m with a floral composition transitional to typical eastern Afro-montane and western lowland forest.

The Local people

The two major tribes living around the park are the Batooro and Bakiga. Traditionally, both tribes utilize the forest for food, fuel, building materials and medicines. The park is a protected area under the Uganda Wildlife Authority, which allows the local people to have controlled, and sustainable access to selected forest resources. The majority of the staff are from the community surrounding the park. As per the law establishing the Uganda Wildlife Authority, the community receives 20% of the park entrance fees for their development projects.

Conservation and research

Conservation value of Kibale National Park

Besides being an exciting holiday destination, Kibale National Park is an important site for conservation and research. The Uganda Wildlife Authority with assistance from Jane Goodall Institute started the Kibale Primate Habituation Project, which focuses on habituating the chimpanzees to human presence. This has increased the chances of viewing chimpanzees to over 90%, allowing visitors the fantastic opportunity to view these great apes in their natural environment.

Funds generated through tourism help to further protect the park and its biodiversity, carry out research and support local community projects.

How you can help

Just by taking a walk with one of our trained and experienced ranger guides you have already contributed towards the conservation of Kibale National Park. You can also make another contribution by filling in a form and giving your financial or in kind contribution. You should get a receipt from the cashier at the park or UWA headquarters.

It is also possible to support the Jane Goodall Foundation

Research

Makerere University has also established a Biological Field Station at Kanyawara where several researchers are based. Though there are accommodation facilities here, only researchers and those attending conferences and seminars use these facilities. Those visiting Kibale for its tourism experience are advised to stay at Chimps’ Nest, Kanyanchu River Camp or Sebitoli Forest Centre.