Flora and Fauna in Rwenzori Mountain

 Flora and Fauna in Rwenzori Mountain

Everything you must know about flora and fauna in Rwenzori Mountain. Mountain Rwenzori is the highest mountain in Uganda, located in western Uganda at the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is also considered the third highest mountain in Africa. Mountain Rwenzori is known as the Mountain of the Moon, featuring the highest peak, Margherita, which is snow-capped. It is situated within the Rwenzori National Park, established in 1991.

The mountain was listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as being in danger. In terms of flora and fauna in the Rwenzori mountains, several species can be found around the park, including:

Montane Forest

This is one of the popular flora that travelers encounter during their safaris to Uganda on Rwenzori Mountain. Mountain Rwenzori is covered by tropical rainforest, situated at lower altitudes of about 1,000 to 2,000 meters above sea level. This type of montane forest is also home to various wildlife. The dominant tree species in this montane forest include Mahogany, Ebony, fig trees, Bamboo, and many others.

Bamboo

Bamboo grows at higher altitudes of about 2,400 to 3,000 meters above sea level in the Rwenzori region. The conditions in this area support bamboo due to the cooler temperatures. Other fauna found in this zone include giant heath trees, mosses, lichens, ferns, epiphytes, and many others.

Heath and Moorland

This type of flora is found in the mountain zone at altitudes of about 3,000 to 4,000 meters above sea level. The flora is characterized by giant plants growing in misty landscapes. These plants are adapted to the harsh climatic conditions of very low temperatures, strong winds, and high radiation.

Mammals

Rwenzori National Park is home to about 18 species of mammals. Most of these mammals inhabit the lower altitudes of the park, while others live at higher elevations. The mammal species in this mountain include various primates, both large and small. In the montane zone (1,000 to 2,000 meters), large mammals such as Rwenzori colobus monkeys, L’hoests monkeys, forest monkeys, blue monkeys, chimpanzees, giant forest hogs, bushbucks, Rwenzori shrews, and many other wildlife can be found.

In the bamboo zone (2,400 to 3,000 meters), fewer mammals reside here, although some species have adapted to the conditions of this zone. Wildlife includes Rwenzori colobus monkeys, L’Hoest monkeys, and occasionally visiting forest elephants.

In the heath and moorland zone (3,000 to 4,000 meters above sea level), while altitude increases and mammal diversity decreases, some wildlife persists. Mammals in this zone include the Rwenzori red duiker, serval cats, rock hyrax, and more.

In the alpine and glacier zone, only a few wildlife species survive in the harsh conditions close to freezing temperatures. Encountering wildlife in this zone is rare, but species like rock hyrax and occasional leopards can be spotted. These mammals face extinction challenges due to habitat loss, human-wildlife conflicts, deforestation, and other factors.

Birds

Mountain Rwenzori is considered a birding zone by Bird International, as it is home to over 217 bird species, including 19 Albertine endemics, making the region an excellent location for birdwatching. Some bird species found in this region include Rwenzori Turaco, Handsome Francolin, African Green Broadbill, Doherty’s Bush Shrike, Bar-tailed Trogon, Strange Weaver, Rwenzori Nightjar, Mountain Greenbul, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, Kivu Ground Thrush, Alpine Chat, White-necked Raven, Rwenzori Double-collared Sunbird, and many others.

Reptiles

Mountain Rwenzori is also home to several reptile species, numbering around ten. Most of these reptiles thrive in the mountain’s lower zones (1,000 to 2,000 meters above sea level). Some of the reptiles found on this mountain include the three-horned chameleon, Great Lakes bush viper, forest cobra, African twig snake, Rwenzori skink, and many others.

What is the best time to visit Mountain Rwenzori?

Mountain Rwenzori welcomes visitors throughout the year to experience its diverse flora and fauna. The best time to visit the park is during the dry seasons, from June to September and December to February, which offers optimal conditions for exploration.