National parks in Uganda experience rise in wildlife numbers

Tourists flock to Africa to experience some of nature's most spectacular encounters with wildlife. Southern Africa is home to the Big Five - lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhinoceros. There are also many species of antelope, wild dogs and birds.

A report by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has revealed that wildlife numbers in Uganda have grown dramatically in recent years. Since the last census in 1999, impala have reached a staggering 35,000 in number, up from a mere 1,600.

In addition to the impressive impala population, national parks in Uganda have also seen animal numbers rise amongst buffalos, giraffes, elephants, hippopotamuses, waterbucks and zebras. This rise in numbers could be partly due to the reduction in wildlife poaching in Uganda.

Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda's biggest park, which is named after its impressive centrepiece - the spectacular Murchison Falls, where the Nile River bursts out of a small gap in the Rift Valley escarpment. Hippos and crocodiles frequent the waters of the Nile, while on land there is a healthy population of elephants, buffalos and giraffes.

Though it's not at the top of the list of countries to spot wildlife in Africa (Kenya and Tanzania are perhaps more widely visited for wildlife safaris), Uganda is a popular stop off for backpackers and independent travellers.

Many tourists visit Uganda to see one of the most endangered mammals on the planet - the mountain gorilla. Gorilla trekking safaris track these magnificent creatures through the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. There are only around 300 gorillas living in Uganda.

Poaching is still a major problem throughout Africa. Rhinos are slain for their valuable horns, and elephants for their tusks. Experts estimate that African elephants could be driven to extinction by 2025 if they continue to be poached.

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