The ‘’UCP’’ Uganda Carnivore Program is managed by the research department of the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Well, this program starts in the 1990’s and was then known as the Uganda Large Predator Project.
The Uganda Large Predators Projects began out of concern that an epidemic ‘’the canine distemper Virus ‘’ that was decimating canines in the Serengeti National Park spread to predators in Uganda. After some research, it was found that Uganda’s lions where not dying from the distemper virus but from poisoning. A decision was made continually – with the project to monitor and do some research on predator in the park. The project expanded into community conservation and other activities. For that matter, more partner s came in support of the project but later on the project changed its name as the Uganda Carnivore Program.
Factors of Uganda Carnivore Program;
To protect and monitor the movement of the predators.
They train young scientist who helps in relocating park animals and makes recommendations that assists government and international partners in making key funding decisions and areas of focus.
This project hosts international volunteers and student researches interested in wildlife conservation.
Uganda Carnivore Project
The Uganda Carnivore Project is led by Dr. Ludwig Siefert who has been with the project since 1990’s. This Dr. Ludwig was also lectures in Makerere University and more so has made significant contributions to wildlife research and conservation as a Direct of the project as well as a professor in Makerere.
Dr. Ludwig has helped to attract funding to the project and helped with predator research in Uganda’s other parks. And his assistant senior staff working the project namely; James Kalyewa and Kenneth Mugyenyi Kalyewa monitors the predators daily while mugyenyi is community scout responsible for community outreach activities.
How is Lion Tracking in Queen Elizabeth National Park arranged?
Lion tracking experience in Queen Elizabeth National Park involves following an individual or group of lions – to be able to learn more about their behaviors, feeding habits and group dynamics.
One to be part in the Lion tracking experience, your required to book for your permit in advance.
Loin experiential goes at USD100 for nonresident per person per day, USD80 for foreigners and East African Members goes at UGX100,000 per person per day. Note; There are extra of USD10 to among paid. Well, Permits can be bought directly at the Mweya Information Centre or more conveniently through your tour agent.
The park authorities offer USD10 of each booking to the Uganda Carnivores programs, the amount paid does not include park entrance. There is a limited number of people allowed to participate in the activity.
There are three sessions in a day for Lion tracking; An early morning, afternoon and night sessions and each session takes between 2 to 3 hours. Take note, if you choose one of the sessions to participate, we advise you to arrive on time. On the day of the activity – you will be briefed by the chief tracker or researcher and expect back a great adventure of these unique lions.
Lion tracking in Queen Elizabeth National Park is the best location for spotting lions come along the unique tree climbing lions. It is very possible to track them without disappointment because of recent advancement in tracking technology.
Eventually, lion tracking can be done by help of park armed guides who holds a radio collar for easy location on the dominant lioness of a pride. More fact, Lions usually wander away from the group to mark their territories. Lionesses staying with the main group enables researchers to monitor all the other lions including; the cubs and Alpha’s males.
Researchers prefer putting a collar on a lioness that is not pregnant, but old enough and in good health. The moment is identified, a tranquilizer is used to make the lioness senseless before putting the collar around the lion’s neck. Fact, the lioness can take 2 days to get used to the collar. While installing the collar – the researchers make sure that tourists are comfortable and loose to ensure that kings of Jungle ‘’cats’’ does not hurt you.
On your visit to Uganda Safaris ,you can decide to combine lion tracking experience in Queen with gorilla trekking safaris in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.
