Significant Features of
Uganda's Kibale National Park

BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY
The forests of Kibale National Park are representative of medium altitude moist tropical forest, which is rare in East Africa. The Park represents one of the most extensive tracts of relatively undisturbed forest remaining at this altitude in Uganda. Its proximity to the forest refugium of Semliki Valley has resulted in a diverse community of forest species, including Congo Basin species at the eastern limit of their ranges. The Park supports a high level of flora and fauna biodiversity, including:

an exceptionally-diverse and abundant primate fauna;

nine species of fauna considered to be globally-threatened or nearly so (e.g., Prigogine's ground thrush, a bird endemic to the Park; and the locally-endangered red colobus monkey); and

very rare flora including cycads and screw palms.

RESEARCH AND EDUCATION
Long-term ecological research and monitoring have taken place at Makerere University Biological Field Station, located within the Park. There is great potential for continuation and expansion of monitoring and research programs. The Station welcomes proposals for interdisciplinary research (bio-physical and socio-economic studies). In addition, the Station is increasingly viewed as a site for conservation training and education courses, with credit available through Makerere University.

CONSERVATION
Kibale National Park is part of a large group of conservation areas. Nearby sites include Queen Elizabeth National Park, Semliki National Park, Rwenzori National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Mgahinga National Park, and Murchison Falls National Park.

HUMAN INFLUENCE AND CULTURE
Kibale National Park is surrounded by densely settled regions with a long history of forest use. The Park has some areas under exotic plantations, and has the potential to provide products to surrounding human settlements (e.g., wild coffee). As a result, Kibale National Park has the potential to serve as a demonstration area for community conservation projects. The Park also has great archaeological research potential.

ECOTOURISM POTENTIAL
Kibale National Park has great potential for the development of ecotourism due to its natural features, accessibility, facilities, and presence of chimpanzees.

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