Tree climbing Lions In Uganda, Queen Elizabeth National Park
Ever wondered how a lion looks when it is up on a tree, then wonder no more because Queen Elizabeth National park is the answer to your question and wonder. Tree climbing lions in Uganda can be only be found in Queen Elizabeth national park in the Ishasha sector. As we all know it is very rare for lions to climb trees, the ones found in the queen Elizabeth Park are a rare case as it is hard to find climbing lions anywhere else as evident as it is here. You will be able to see the cubs playing and hanging in the tree branches as well as the older lions.
This is one experience that you are likely never to forget and you will be able to take videos and photos of the lions lazing around in the tree. The lions normally climb the acacia and sycamore fig trees and they climb the trees because the trees provide enough shelter during both the sunny and rainy season. These lions climb the trees when the sun has risen and not before and you should also know that the male lions in Queen Elizabeth national park have unique black manes.
The tree climbing lions are uniquely built and as they laze around the trees and you will be able to enjoy watching these big cats as you drive through the Park. The lions can be seen sitting in the trees while digesting their food and also spotting the little animals that move around the park while plotting for their next hunt.
Why Do The Lions Climb Trees?
The lions can be seen sleeping in the trees and there are reasons that people have given as to why these lions climb trees and these have been listed below:
The lions climb the trees because the view is good for spotting the various preys that can be seen loitering around the Park. These big cats can easily pounce on their food specially the antelopes without easily being noticed.
They climb trees to escape the heat from the ground and get shelter from the rain. The temperature can actually go up to 28 degrees which is not conducive to the cats hence the climbing of the trees.
The trees provide a good resting place for the cats after a long day of hunting due to the wide branches they have that can accommodate them.
The trees also protect the lions from insect bites especially tsetse flies that attack the animals especially during the wet season.
Why Queen Elizabeth Is The Best Or Ideal Place For The Climbing Lions
There are various lions in the different parks that are found in Uganda but not all of them can climb trees. The lions that climb trees are found in Queen Elizabeth National Park and I have written down why Queen Elizabeth National Park is the best or ideal place for the climbing lions.
The park has a vast land which allows the animals to move around the park easily giving them the freedom. It also has other animals which act as food to the lions like the Kobs, cranes, the cows from the neighboring village, the availability of the Acacia and sycamore trees also makes the park the best place for them to stay. All these conditions make it a conducive place for the lions to live.
The Dangers That The Tree Climbing Lions Face In Ishasha
These lions are threatened by the constant and fast growing human population around the park for example in 2018 around the month of April, some lions were found dead and their cactus had insecticide poison in them which is believed to have come from the human population.
They are also faced with a problem of natural death which reduces their number drastically.
The fight between the dominant males over the leader of the pride also leads to the loss of some lions in the park.