The Pangolins are found in different parts of Uganda including Northern, southern, central and mostly in western part of the country. The Pangolin Rescue Center in the community around Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Buhoma village, this rescue centre offers tourists and other visitors an experience where you can meet and greet these fascinating creatures and get the opportunity to learn more about the work being done to protect pangolins in Uganda. This centre has been able to rescue over 155 pangolins from different parts of Uganda and has put them back in their natural habitat.
Murchison Falls National Park is another popular area where one can find Pangolins and neighboring protected conservation areas.
Pangolins are one of the special animals in Uganda as it is one of the most iconic totems of the central Buganda people from the Buganda Kingdom known as Olugave. On your Uganda tour, you can easily see different Pangolin species in different parts of Uganda mostly in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park around the Buhoma conservation area.
Pangolins are elusive creatures and are not always easy to spot, but they can be found in various habitats across Uganda. Here are some places where you might have a chance of seeing pangolins:
Murchison Falls National Park: This is one of Uganda’s largest national parks and offers diverse wildlife, including pangolins. While sightings are rare, the park’s diverse habitats make it a potential location.
Queen Elizabeth National Park: Another popular national park in Uganda, Queen Elizabeth is known for its diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife. While pangolins are elusive, the park’s varied landscapes offer suitable habitats for them.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: Famous for its population of mountain gorillas, Bwindi also supports a variety of other wildlife. While pangolins are not as commonly seen here as in other parks, they are present.
Kibale National Park: This Park is renowned for its population of chimpanzees, but it also supports a variety of other mammals, including pangolins.
Kidepo Valley National Park: Located in northeastern Uganda, Kidepo Valley National Park is known for its remote wilderness and diverse wildlife. While pangolins are rare, they have been spotted here.
Community Conservation Areas: Some community-owned and managed conservation areas in Uganda may offer opportunities to see pangolins. These areas often offer guided tours led by local experts who are familiar with the wildlife in the region.
Remember that pangolins are nocturnal and shy creatures, so your chances of seeing them in the wild are relatively low. Additionally, pangolins are critically endangered due to habitat loss and illegal wildlife trade, so it’s important to respect their habitats and not disturb them if you encounter them in the wild.
Pangolins don’t lay eggs. Males and females mate once a year and the females give birth to between one and three live offspring at a time. Baby pangolins (also known as pangopups) are born covered in soft, white scales that harden after a couple of days.
Pangolins are long-lived and are believed to live for up to 20 years in the wild, with the oldest recorded pangolin (an Asian species) living for more than 22 years in the zoo. This is the exception, however, as pangolins do not survive well in captivity and most die very soon after entering captivity.
