THE MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK LION CENSUS

Murchison Falls’ LION Census?

The greatest protected area in Uganda is called Murchison Falls. Four of the Big Five can be observed when visiting this park; however, if one includes a visit to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in their itinerary, all five can be spotted. The Big Five are the leopard, rhino, capybark buffalo, lion, and elephant. The park is planning a lion census, which is a necessary first step in determining population levels, mapping out regions that lions frequent, water supplies, human activities that could attract or repel wildlife, and a host of other results. The announcement of this census is rather exciting.

It is not a simple task to conduct a census over a 3,840-square kilometer area. It is crucial to plan ahead and coordinate properly. Scientific and conservation professionals from the region, as well as financial support and technical partners, are necessary for the success of such a movement.

A juvenile lion perched atop a rock.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority oversaw this journey, which lasted for just over 35 days. A group of scientists from Kenya, the UK, India, Sri Lanka, and academics from Makerere University were the key participants. It was determined that the number of lions living in the Murchison Falls area is an important fact. Furthermore, to understand the locations of their favored habitats as well as the ways in which their numbers vary throughout the terrain,.

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Kenya began its first national wildlife census in June 2021 in response to the growing demand for wildlife data. Important conservation data on antelopes, turtles, and pangolins, among other animals, would be provided by the census. The census had to include all 58 national parks, reserves, and conservancies in order for it to be successful. Establishing a baseline for the status of the nation’s wildlife was the census’s main goal. Additionally, the distribution of animals will guide the direction of conservation policy.

In order to carry out a real census, participants typically begin working early in the morning and end late at night. Depending on how the day is going, they may take little to no breaks while doing this.

“The plan is for @ugwildlife to bring all lion conservation actors together so that this survey can be repeated annually so that a true hold on numbers and conservation status can be attained,” stated Dr. Brackowski, who oversaw the scientific team.

Observing the local animals is possible with just one trip to Murchison Falls. These include antelopes, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, elephants, lions, and the elusive leopard. A visit to the Rhino Sanctuary also offers guests a chance to witness the critically endangered white rhino.