Ishasha Tree Climbing Lions
Ishasha Tree Climbing Lions : Located in the remote sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park of Uganda, the Ishasha sector is well famous for its specialized tree climbing lions. Resembling other lions who like to take siesta on the ground, the lions in this region have somehow assumed the strange behavior of stretching around the branches of large fig and acacia trees for a nap which makes a scenic view for tourists across the world. In this article, we will take you through and explain everything you would want to know about the Ishasha tree climbing lions; from their behavior, to the best ways to view them and how to best plan your trip for the ultimate experience to this magical Uganda safari.
Location of Ishasha sector
Ishasha is found in Queen Elizabeth National Park, which is one of Uganda’s largest and a famous national park that is well endowed with impressive physical features, a rich and diverse bio geographical region and great tally of wild animals. Situated in the extreme south-west of Uganda not far from the borders with DR Congo, Ishasha sector is one of the quite zones of the park and attractive destination to explore the African Savannah with vast plains of tees, sparse fig trees and much space.
Biodiversity in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Stretches over an area of 1,978 Square Kms As if the park contains over 600 bird species, ninety-five species of mammals, and various reptiles and amphibians exist within the park area. And though lions, elephants, and hippos are dominant in the park, tree climbing lions of Ishasha are the most amazing and popular place to visit in the park.
Why Do Lions Climb Trees?
As much as tree climbing is not common with lions, the lions of Ishasha are well accustomed to climbing trees and particularly to resting on branches. Scientists have not reached a consensus on why these lions in particular climb trees, but several theories have emerged:
Escape from Insects: Frequent climbing activity of the trees might assist the lions to escape from the annoying and invasive attacks of ground dwelling insects such as tsetse flies which are operational in the Ugandan warmer season.
Cooling Off: Savanna at Ishasha can be hot since grasses and leaves of trees provide shade, far from the burning surface of the sun.
Better Vantage Point: Lions may follow this behavior to survey large areas for the presence of prey and any potential competitors for such a view they have to climb trees.
In any case observing these large cats lying lazily on trees or, keeping vigil to the job on guard is an experience which intrigues any wildlife observer or researcher.
How Rare Is This Behavior?
Climbing trees is not very typical for lions, several populations only in the entire world practice it. Apart from the lions of southern Ishasha, there are only a few prides of Tanzania”s Lake Manyara National Park that are said to climb trees to hunt antelopes and other small animals, thus make the Ishasha tree climbing lions one of the most unique wonders of the African wild.
Best Time to Visit
Ishasha sector is always accessible for Gorilla tracking, however the best periods being dry seasons, these include June-September and December-February. This is because the roads are ok for driving and besides most of the animals come for water hence easily visible especially on the formations. The lions are best spotted hunting or just resting in trees during the cooler part of the day, early morning and late evening.
Getting to Ishasha
Ishasha is about 110 Kms from Mweya, the sector that is Abel most associated with Queen Elizabeth National Park a journey that will take one approximately 23 hours on the road. Getting through the park with the different terrains is memorable in its right, let alone the other wildlife that might be sighted. From Kampala, Ishasha is about 67 hours’ drive southwest but many people prefer to fly to the Kasese or Kihihi airstrips nearby.
Guided Tours and Self Drives
It is alternatively possible for tourists to visit Ishasha on a guided tour or even a self-drive. Tours are preferable to the unfamiliar with the geographical features and animal behaviors because experienced tour guides increase the possibility of witnessing the lions and offer enthralling information about them. For the visitors who wish to tour the park on their own cars then the park allows that, however, it is advisable to ask the rangers at the Ishasha gate where to find lions most recently.
Other Wildlife in Ishasha
Ishasha is famous for tree climbing lions but apart from that it has other attractions which make up the safari experience.
Elephants: Ishasha is one of the best places to find large herds of elephants crossing the plains and this tends to be especially so in the dry season.
Topis: These are big antelopes with reddish brown fur that is notorious for being resident in the River Isle Ishasha feeding in the savannah.
Buffalo: These are large horned animals which are mostly sighted grazing in water adjacent areas in the Ishasha sector.
Birds: Bird life in Ishasha is thrilling and tourists may see the African fish eagle, saddle billed stork, and the brightly colored Ross’s turaco.
This little portion of the word famous Queen Elizabeth National Park, Ishasha is endowed with diverse wildlife and tree climbing lions which are a phenomenon to any visitors who might be on the Uganda wildlife safari.
Conservation Measures of Ishasha Lions
The Uganda Wildlife Authority takes part in daily monitoring of this precious population with assistance from local and international organizations. Some of the problems facing conservation of lions include; Loss of habitat: This is a major problem facing conservation of lions since their habitat is being destroyed by human activities Lions are known to frequently cause human-wildlife conflicts, and occasionally, poison when they get close to livestock productions. Authorization from tourism does assist in financing those particular challenges and spreading the word about the protection of lions.
