wildlife 28 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda Sees Wildlife Recovery in Herbivores but Lions and Elephants Decline
Uganda's latest wildlife report shows gains for buffaloes, zebras and antelopes, but elephant and lion populations have dropped amid habitat pressures and human encroachment. Officials stress the need for intensified conservation to protect key species and ecosystems. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/lion-elephant-populations-drop-as-uganda-records-mixed-wildlife-gains-5440082
Uganda has made progress in conserving certain wildlife species over the past three years, but faces challenges with flagship animals like elephants and lions, according to the State of Wildlife Resources in Uganda Report 2026.
Elephant numbers in monitored areas decreased from 6,621 in 2021–2022 to 6,352 in 2023–2025, while lions fell from 314 to 291 over the same timeframe. These declines signal ecosystem vulnerabilities despite overall successes.
Positive trends include buffalo populations rising from 32,235 to 41,548, zebras increasing from 17,762 to 20,942, and Uganda kob growing from 166,526 to 175,109. Southern white rhinos advanced from 43 to 61, chimpanzees from 5,072 to 6,075, and mountain gorillas held steady at 459.
UWA Board Chairman Prof. James Kalema noted the report highlights areas of investment returns and where focus must intensify. Tourism Minister Col. Tom Butime emphasized broader conservation beyond animals to include plants and habitats vital for livelihoods.
Experts point to human settlements, agriculture, infrastructure and habitat fragmentation as key threats fueling human-wildlife conflicts, especially for lions needing vast territories and elephants venturing outside parks.
The comprehensive report covers mammals, birds, plants, fungi, reptiles and insects, warning of pressures from climate change, invasives and illegal activities. UWA’s Dr. James Musinguzi highlighted tech like aerial surveys and tracking, but conservationists call for better habitat protection and cross-sector coordination.
These mixed results could impact tourism, a major economic driver reliant on iconic species.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)