Forest elephants are very few in Uganda. That is why on your Uganda safari tour, you may come across some of them, as well as savanna elephants, which live on the edges of the jungle.
Forest elephants are believed to have come from the Democratic Republic of Congo and later moved to Uganda. Others are fully settled in West and Central Africa.
These elephants have a gestation period of 22 months and usually give birth to one calf. They are mainly threatened by humans who kill them for money.
In Uganda, you can spot these giant animals in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and Kibale National Park. All these parks are open throughout the year.
Some tourists may find it hard to tell the difference between forest and savanna elephants, but you can ask your tour guide.
Forest elephants have five toes on their front feet and four on their back feet. They have a slight covering of hair on their grey skin.
Their tusks are straighter and point downward, helping them move easily through the forest. Forest elephants are also smaller than savanna elephants, but both types are still elephants. They weigh about three tonnes and have a body length of about three to four meters. These dense forest habitats are also home to other fascinating nocturnal creatures like bushbabies (galagos), adding to the region’s rich biodiversity.
These animals are herbivores and feed on grass, leaves, fruits, and other plants. They can drink up to 15 liters of water at once.
They also have big ears that help them communicate over long distances in low tones that humans cannot hear. If you see a very large footprint, it may belong to one of these elephants.
Forest elephants are known to be more destructive than savanna elephants. They dig up the ground, knock down tall trees, and destroy underbrush to make paths.
Although both types of elephants have trunks, forest elephants have tusks that are straighter and point downward. Their tusks are strong and are preferred by poachers because of their hard ivory, which is in high demand on the market. This has led to heavy poaching, especially in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Similar threats also affect other primates like chimpanzee species, who face habitat loss and hunting across central African forests.
However, some countries have created strict laws against poaching, and anyone found guilty is punished by the law.
Visit Kibale National Park in Uganda with these recommended Uganda chimpanzee companies or inquire with us below to book your tour directly through this website.
