The big cats of Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda is known for its population of big cats, including lions and leopards. Here is some information about the big cats you can find in the park.
Lions
Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to a significant population of lions. The park’s lions are known for their unique tree-climbing behavior, particularly in the Ishasha sector. This behavior is rare among lions and provides a distinctive opportunity for visitors to see them resting on tree branches. Lions can also be spotted in other parts of the park, particularly in the grasslands and savannah areas.
Leopards
Leopards are elusive and solitary creatures, making them more challenging to spot compared to lions. However, Queen Elizabeth National Park is known to have a population of leopards. They are primarily nocturnal and are skilled climbers, often seen resting or hunting in trees. The best chances of spotting leopards are during night game drives or early morning safaris when they may still be active.
Cheetahs
While cheetahs were historically present in Queen Elizabeth National Park, their population has significantly declined in recent years. It is now extremely rare to spot cheetahs in the park. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect and potentially reintroduce cheetahs to the area.
It’s important to note that while Queen Elizabeth National Park does have populations of big cats, their numbers and visibility can vary. The park’s vast landscapes, including grasslands, woodlands, and wetlands, provide diverse habitats for these magnificent predators. Going on game drives, guided walks, or tracking experiences with experienced guides and rangers can increase your chances of encountering these big cats and witnessing their fascinating behaviors in their natural environment.