How Many Types Of Monkeys Are In Uganda?
How Many Types Of Monkeys Are In Uganda? Uganda is an East African country which is often referred to as “the Pearl of Africa” that is renowned for its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife species which attract many tourists to move from all over different parts of the world. This country is also famously known for its rich biodiversity and it is surrounded with many inhabitants, which act as home to various species of monkeys hence contributing a lot to the country’s allure for nature enthusiasts. So while exploring in Uganda, on this journey you can get to uncover the fascinating all the nature wonders and monkeys. In this context below, we will delve into monkey’s diversity, habitats, behaviors and their conservation efforts.
Uganda is a country it provides an ideal natural habitats for a wide array of monkey species because it is surrounded with lush forests, wetlands, savannas. These monkey primate species thrive within different destinations for example; from the dense rainforests of Kibale national park to the savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth national park among others. More so, Uganda is known to be a home to approximately about 20 species of monkeys whereby they are of different types and each has its own unique characteristics and adaptions. In addition, some of these include;
In addition, one of the most easily recognizable and most iconic monkey specie found in the country are the chimpanzees (Pan Troglodytes). These primate species are famously known for their high level of intelligence and the complex social structures and they are easily spotted in several forests in Uganda such as; Kibale National park, Budongo forest Reserve and Queen Elizabeth national park and many others. In addition, the unique thing about the chimpanzees is that they are the only wildlife species that are closely related to humans due to the fact they share over 98% of our DNA, hence making them a subject of immense fascination.
More so, another type of monkey species found in the country are Olive Baboons (Papio Anubis). These primate species are easily spotted across various habitats like; forests, savannah grasslands. More so, these olive baboons are also known for their distinctive olive green fur and their dog-snouts. In addition, these primate species form large troops, which are led by dominant male species and their social dynamics within their groups.
The black and white colobus monkeys (Colobus Guereza) which is another enchanting sight Ugandan forest with their striking black fur and flowing white mantles. More so, these primate species navigate the forest canopy, fruits, feeding on leaves, flowers with in forests. In addition, the best destinations to visit in order to see these species is from; Kibale national park and Budongo forest national park and others.
The Vervet Monkeys (Chlorocebus Pygerythrus) is another unique wildlife species and for tourists to see these species is when they can explore through the dense forests of the west of the open woodlands of the East. These primate species are highly adaptable and they can wander through a wide range of environments from primary rainforests to many other areas of the human dominated landscapes. More so, their blue faces and their complex vocalizations, which they use for communication with their troops, characterize Vervet monkeys.
In addition, despite all the above-mentioned species, Uganda is known to a home to several rare and elusive monkeys such as; the golden monkeys, Lhotse’s monkeys, golden monkeys that can be easily spotted within the bamboo forests of the Virunga mountains. More so, their vibrant golden fur and shy demeanor characterize the golden monkeys. L’Hoest monkeys are known to have been named after the Belgian explorer Alphonse L’Hoest, are found in the dense forests of the western Uganda and they are more identified because of their dark fur and white beards.
In addition, the government of Uganda has worked together with other various conservation organizations with the main purpose of protecting the rich primate heritage in the country. Therefore, Uganda Wildlife Authority major role is to manage and conserve several national parks and wildlife reserves that were established and act as good habitats of many wildlife species. More so, community bases conservation initiatives have also been engaged in order to educate the local people about various conservation and this helps to mitigate human wildlife conflicts hence promoting the sustainable coexistence of these species.
However, despite these conservation efforts, monkeys in the country are noted to also be facing numerous threats such as; poaching, poaching, habitat loss, deforestation, diseases, agricultural expansion, logging and infrastructure, wildlife trade, and illegal hunting which leads to the decrease of primate population across the country.
In conclusion, Uganda as a country is known to be a home to diverse array of diverse array of monkey species and this contributes a lot towards the rich biological heritage and the tourism industry of Uganda due to the fact these primate species attract many visitors to get interest to see their beauty, intelligence and behavior.
Contact our trusted tour operators for more information about how many types of monkeys are found in the country and then book with our tours and travel companies such as; Achieve Global safaris who offer the best Uganda tour packages.
