Tree Climbing Lions in Uganda
Tree-climbing lions in Uganda are a rare and amazing lions, found only in two places in the world. That is Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda and Lake Manyara National Park in Tanzania. Unlike other big cats, these lions have adapted to climb trees to escape tsetse flies, avoid the heat and get a better vantage point to spot prey.
In Uganda, you can find them in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The landscape here is different from the rest of the park, with large fig and acacia trees that provide the perfect branches for the lions to rest on.
The Ishasha sector is located in the southwestern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda. It’s about a 2-hour drive from the Mweya Peninsula. Making it a bit more remote but well worth the visit. The area is bordered by Lake Edward to the north, the Ishasha River and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west and River Ntungwe to the east.
The landscape here is characterized by savannah woodlands with large fig and acacia trees, which provide the perfect environment for the tree-climbing lions. The sector is known for its open grasslands and candelabra trees, offering excellent game viewing opportunities.
The best time to see tree climbing lions in Uganda
The best time to see the tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park is during the dry season. This runs from June to August and December to February. During these months, there is less rainfall and the vegetation is shorter, providing clear views of the lions as they lounge on the tree branches.
However rainy season is as well another good time to view the lions. During the rainy season, which spans from March to May and September to November, the tree-climbing lions can also be found perched in the trees. Cats typically dislike getting wet and the higher vantage point of the trees keeps them away from the wet ground.
Early morning game drive is highly preferred for the tourists that would love to see the tree climbing lions. The morning dew keeps the lions up on the tree since they fear getting wet. However any time can be the best time for viewing them because nature is unpredictable.
Is it a must to see the tree climbing lions in Uganda
seeing the tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park’s Ishasha sector is a unique highlight, but it’s not guaranteed since nature is very unpredictable.The lions move around and sometimes aren’t visible.
However, the park offers plenty of other incredible wildlife experiences. Like seeing elephants,buffalo, Uganda Kobs,water bucks, hippos and a rich variety of bird species, ensuring you will have a memorable visit no matter what.
Are they only found in Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda.
Tree climbing lions are also found in other parks in Uganda such as Murchison falls national park. Though the vegetation there does not enable them to climb trees. Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park therefore offers a unique place and view for the lions.
However, outside Uganda, you can also find tree-climbing lions in Lake Manyara National Park in Tanzania. These are the two main places in the world known for this rare behavior.
Why are they called tree climbing lions.
They are called tree-climbing lions because of their unique behavior of climbing and lounging in trees. Unlike most lions, which stay on the ground. The lions in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park frequently rest on the branches of fig and acacia trees.
This behavior helps them avoid tsetse flies, escape the heat and get a better view of their surroundings and to easily spot the prey.
Why are the tree climbing lions in Uganda found at queen.
The tree climbing lions in Uganda are found at Queen Elizabeth National Park because of the unique conditions in the Ishasha sector.
During the rainy season, the ground gets infested with tsetse flies, which bite and irritate the lions. Climbing trees helps them avoid these pests.
The savannah can get extremely hot, especially during the dry season. The trees provide a cooler environment for the lions to rest. The trees in Ishasha, particularly the sycamore fig and acacia trees.
These trees have wide branches that are perfect for the lions to rest on. Being up in the trees gives the lions a better vantage point to spot prey in the open savannah.
These factors create the perfect environment for tree-climbing lions. Making Queen Elizabeth National Park a unique destination for this rare behaviour.
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