Key species

Uganda is rich in biodiversity, with close to 19,000 species of flora and fauna. Knowledge about these species is skewed towards mammals, birds, butterflies, some plants, reptiles, amphibians and fish. Uganda is home to about 380 mammal species. It also has over 1,000 bird species, representing almost half of all species recorded in Africa. Fish biodiversity in Uganda is dominated by the cichlid family, with a high level of endemism. 98 species of amphibians and 150 species of reptiles are found in Uganda. Of the approximately 5,000 species of higher plants, 70 are endemic. Fungi, lichen and insects are less well documented.

Pressures and threats

Uganda has many threats to its biodiversity, the most serious of which is the loss and degradation of habitat. Encroachment is prevalent and human-wildlife conflict is a perennial and growing problem. Poaching and the illicit trade in wildlife is a serious problem, as is destructive fishing practices. Alien invasive species pose particular threats to certain ecosystems.