Uganda’s Majestic Elephants
Uganda’s Majestic Elephants: Uganda is among the countries in Africa that are blessed with a rich biodiversity, featuring a diverse array of wildlife species, including large game mammals such as elephants, buffalo, and lions, among others. The country has a rich ecosystem comprising various living organisms and a diverse array of habitats, including savannahs, wetlands, rolling landscapes, acacia woodlands, marshes, and water bodies such as lakes, rivers, and water channels.
Globally, we have two types of elephants: the Asian elephants and the African elephants. The Asian elephants are smaller in size with small ears, while African elephants are larger in size and have larger ears that are formed in the shape of an African map, hence their name, African elephants. African elephants are further subdivided into two, including the African forest elephants and African savanna elephants, which are equally shared in Uganda.
These African forest elephants are smaller in size and darker-skinned with shorter and streamlined straight tusks compared to the African elephant, whose size is bigger, skin color is pale, and tusks are wide and longer, which enhances its day-to-day activities such as digging potholes for water, protection, fighting, social play, and also outsourcing food, especially when pushing bulky stems and tree trunks.
In Uganda, elephants are mainly found in savanna parks such as Queen Elizabeth National Park, the country’s second-largest park, with the highest population of elephants in Uganda, reaching over 2,500 individuals. Other parks include Murchison Falls National Park and Kidepo Valley National Park. Queen Elizabeth National Park has both the African savanna elephants and the African forest elephants.
Who heads the herd- Uganda’s Majestic Elephants
A herd of elephants is led by a matriarchal older female, who is responsible for all members in the herd. She is the decision-maker and manages the group, including the males. Even during the mating period, she will always select the best breed to mate with the females in the group. She will always kick out the adult males from the group at a certain age.
Actually, male elephants are not allowed in groups, only females. Instead, males wander around.
Feeding
They are strictly herbivores; they feed on plants, leaves, fruits, and tree bark, but not meat like carnivores. Most times, they tend to push down huge trees to feed on leaves that may seem far in order to reach them. This is also another way to access nutrients that they cannot reach. After falling down, elephants can eat the leaves and roots of the fallen tree. This also helps in keeping other grass alive, hence enhancing the ecosystem.
How do elephants communicate?
Their eyes don’t merely just see, but they understand and take note of whatever they see, store it, and can memorize it after a couple of years.
They always communicate through silence and listen with their feet.
Their ears catch whispers from the wind, and they always have grace in every step and power in every pose they make.
They listen a lot more than they speak and also feel more than they exhibit.
They make conversations, and this makes it hard for humans to hear their communication. They always communicate using infrasonic rumbles, meaning their sounds are too low for even humans to hear them. These rumbles travel through the ground for a couple of miles like underground telephone calls.
They are literally communicating to family members across vast distances. Different rumbles mean different things, such as danger approaching, I found water, I am here, let’s move, and many others.
Mother elephants call their babies with specific rumbles, and the babies recognize Mum’s voice instantaneously. You know what is incredible? Other elephants can hear these vibrations through their feet and trunks. They are having complex conversations about food, water, treats, and family news.
Why do elephants charge?
Elephants can charge for many reasons, and when they do, the consequences can be severe because of their size and strength. Some common reasons why elephants charge include:
When they feel threatened
Once the elephant feels in danger or threatened, especially when they have a calf, they can react aggressively to defend themselves from the enemy. Always pay attention to the ears! If they are normally positioned at the back, well! It doesn’t perceive you as a threat, but the moment it flaps its ears, being forward, expect trouble.
Enduring mistreatment
Elephants that have undergone harsh treatment or have been treated cruelly or hunted may carry anger, even becoming hostile towards humans.
Loss of habitat
When the natural habitats of these majestic creatures are destroyed or shrunk, elephants may move into human areas in search of food, leading to conflicts between people and elephants.
Pain or Injury- Uganda’s Majestic Elephants
If an elephant is hurt or may be injured, it may become angry due to discomfort or fear. When these elephants get angry, they can attack or damage everything around them due to their incredible strength; therefore, it’s important for people to be cautious and show respect.
Other animal species to see in Uganda.
Uganda is among those countries in Africa that are blessed with a diverse range of unique wildlife, including mammals, bird species, reptiles, amphibians, and others. Besides the majestic elephant, a member of the big five, several other big game animals to see in Uganda’s protected areas include lions, buffaloes, rhinos, giraffes, leopards, several antelopes, and unique bird species, among others.
