Kibale National Park is known as the "Primate Capital of the World" because it boasts the highest population of chimpanzees together with other primates in Africa. The park's lush tropical rainforests, with diverse ecosystems, provide a haven for these primates, making it a popular destination for chimpanzee trekking and primate watching. Kibale national park is located in the western part of Uganda, about 309 km from kampala, in the districts of kabarole, kyenjojo, kamwenge and kasese. The area was established as a national park in 1993 to protect the extensive kibale forest.
Unlike other parks, kibale is so called ''the primate capital of the world''. The park is home to over 1500 chimpanzee, red colobus monkeys, L'Hoest's monkey which make up to 13 primate species, over 372 bird species and 71 mammal species. It is also known for its rich extensive and diversity.
There are 13 species of primates in Kibale National Park. The park protects several well-studied habituated communities of common chimpanzee, as well as several species of Central African monkey including the Uganda mangabey (Lophocebus ugandae), the Ugandan red colobus (Procolobus tephrosceles) and the L'Hoest's monkey. Other primates that are found in the park include the black-and-white colobus (Colobus guereza) and the blue monkey (Cercopithecus mitis). The park's population of elephants travels between the park and Queen Elizabeth National Park. Other terrestrial mammals that are found within Kibale National Park include red and blue duikers, bushbucks, sitatungas, bushpigs, giant forest hogs, common warthogs, and African buffalo. The carnivores that are present include leopards, African golden cats, servals, different mongooses and two species of otter. In addition, lions visit the park on occasion.
what makes Kibale national park unique?
Primate capital;
Habituated chimpanzee;
Endemic species;
Biodiversity;
Research hub;
Forest and vegetation;
Birdlife;