The surging wildlife numbers in Uganda’s national parks and game reserves since peace returned to the country in 2000 is clear evidence that no living creature is safe from armed conflicts.
Uganda’s Tourism and Wildlife Minister Tom Butime says wildlife numbers have rebounded faster than expected. “The number of elephants has dramatically risen from 2,000 in 1983 to a whopping 8,000 today, while that of giraffes has surged six-fold from 350 to over 2,000. On the other hand the number of buffaloes has hit the 44,000 mark from 25,000.”
He says the number of other animals and birds has continued to rise. The rosy picture is, however, dented by challenges posed by poaching and the competition for land between the national parks and neighbouring communities.
A top wildlife conservationist and former Tourism and Wildlife Ministry spokesman Jossy Muhangi says the quick rebound in wildlife numbers has been facilitated by the ideal conditions. According to the UN,…
Source link
