35 Wild Animals in Uganda [Wildlife in Uganda]

Learn All About Ugandan Animals

Ready to learn all about Ugandan animals?

I’ve always been fascinated by animals and by how they can be so different from one country to another. In this guide, we’ll focus on the many animals Uganda has on the land, in the sky, and underwater.

I’ve split the guide into 4 categories:

• Native animals from Uganda
• Endangered animals of Uganda
• What is the national animal of Uganda?
• How many animals native to Uganda?

Let’s dive in right away with our first category!

Native Animals from Uganda

Uganda is a landlocked African country located in the eastern part of the continent, south of the Sahara. Its president is Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (and he has been in office since 1986 when he took power after a 6-year long guerilla war), is part of the African Great Lakes region, has English and Swahili as official languages, and used to be a British colony. It is bordered by Kenya, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Rwanda, and its capital and largest city is Kampala, which counts more than 1,680,000 inhabitants (but more than 6,709,000 if you include the metropolitan area).

An interesting part of the country that I wanted to tackle is its wildlife. In light of that, I have listed the best of it, and I hope you will love learning what animals live in Uganda.

Here’s the Uganda animals list.

1. Mountain gorilla

• Name: Mountain gorilla
• Scientific name: Gorilla beringei beringei
• Conservation status: Endangered

The mountain gorilla is one of the subspecies of the eastern gorilla, which is much less common than its relative, the western gorilla. Only two populations of mountain gorillas remain one in the Virunga volcanic mountains in Central Africa, and one in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a protected area in Uganda.

Fewer than 1,000 mountain gorillas remain in the wild, and almost half of them live in Uganda. They are all seriously threatened by poaching, disease outbreaks, habitat loss, and war.

2. Nile crocodile

• Name: Nile crocodile
• Scientific name: Crocodylus niloticus
• Conservation status: Least concern

The Nile crocodile is a large species of crocodilian native to all of sub-Saharan Africa (and not only the Nile River banks), as well as western Madagascar. It inhabits the swamps, lakes, rivers, and marshlands of Uganda, and is a powerful, opportunistic, apex predator.

This reptile is particularly aggressive and feeds on almost anything within its range, but mostly fish, reptiles, mammals, and birds. Ugandans frequently build wooden barriers to protect themselves from Nile crocodile attacks.

3. African buffalo

• Name: African buffalo
• Scientific name: Syncerus caffer
• Conservation status: Near threatened

The African buffalo is a large species of bovine native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is one of the most emblematic herbivores of the continent, and it is found throughout all of Uganda.

Don’t be fooled though: in Uganda, large herbivores have attacked people more often than carnivores such as leopards and lions! In fact, this mammal is known to be particularly aggressive and unpredictable, which explains why it has never been domesticated.

4. Giant forest hog

orientalizing / CC BY-NC-ND

• Name: Giant forest hog
• Scientific name: Hylochoerus meinertzhageni
• Conservation status: Least concern

The giant forest hog is a species of wild pig native to the wooded habitats of Africa. As its name suggests, it is the largest of all pigs, but it was not until 1904 that it was first described.

In Uganda, the giant forest hog can mostly be found in Kibale National Park. Although mainly a herbivore, it often scavenges. It lives in herds, known as sounders, of up to 20 individuals.

5. African bush elephant

• Name: African bush elephant
• Scientific name: Loxodonta africana
• Conservation status: Endangered

The African bush elephant, also known as the African savanna elephant, is the largest terrestrial animal on the planet. It is one of two species of the African elephant, alongside the African forest elephant, and has been considered endangered since 2021 due to heavy poaching for its meat and ivory, as well as habitat fragmentation and loss.

Alongside Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, and Zambia, Uganda is one of the most problematic countries when it comes to illegal African bush elephant poaching. Tusks are usually sent to black markets in Asia, in countries such as Thailand, Singapore, Taiwan, and Malaysia.

6. Uganda mangabey

Ronald Woan / CC BY-NC

• Name: Uganda mangabey
• Scientific name: Lophocebus ugandae
• Conservation status: Vulnerable

The Uganda mangabey is a species of Old World monkey endemic to Uganda and a small part of Tanzania (within the Minziro Forest Reserve). It can be found in the northern and northwestern areas of Lake Victoria, such as the Bukasa Forest, the Bujuko Forest, and the Mabira Forest, where it inhabits primary and secondary forests.

This primate is arboreal and spends most of its time looking for seeds and fruits, particularly fruits of the date palm and of the oil palm.

7. African leopard

• Name: African leopard
• Scientific name: Panthera pardus pardus
• Conservation status: Vulnerable

The African leopard is the most common and widespread subspecies of the leopard. It can be found all around sub-Saharan Africa, but while its range used to wide and even, it can now only be found in small, fragmented areas of the continent.

This big cat is primarily threatened by intense persecution and habitat conversion, mainly in retribution for livestock loss. Interestingly enough, in Uganda, it was already spotted preying on adult eastern gorillas.

8. Eastern chimpanzee

• Name: Eastern chimpanzee
• Scientific name: Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii
• Conservation status: Endangered

The eastern chimpanzee is a subspecies of the chimpanzee native to central and eastern Africa, and it can be found in countries such as Uganda, Tanzania, the Central African Republic, Rwanda, and South Sudan.

Although fairly common and widespread, the chimpanzee is overall considered endangered due to serious, recent declines, especially in East Africa. The main threats it has to face are habitat loss and hunting, as well as disease outbreaks.

9. Hippopotamus

• Name: Hippopotamus
• Scientific name: Hippopotamus amphibius
• Conservation status: Vulnerable

The hippopotamus, also known as the common hippopotamus, the river hippopotamus, or simply the hippo, is a large species of semi-aquatic ungulate native to most of sub-Saharan Africa. Similarly to the African leopard, its range is now much more fragmented and small than it ever was.

This mammal inhabits the mangrove swamps, rivers, and lakes of Uganda, and just like the African buffalo, is particularly aggressive and unpredictable; besides, despite its considerable size, it can reach speeds of up to 30 km/h / 19 mph!

10. Lion

• Name: Lion
• Scientific name: Panthera leo
• Conservation status: Vulnerable

Yes, the king of the jungle is also present in Uganda, which is definitely a wonderful country in terms of wildlife. It lives in the savannas, grasslands, and shrublands of the country, and is entirely diurnal, except for areas with high human activity.

Historically, Uganda has been reputed for its man-eating lions since 1898, when 28 railway workers were eaten by lions over the course of 9 months! While lions in general usually do not prey on humans, there is no reason for them not to, especially in case of low prey availability.

11. Blue duiker

Bart Wursten / CC BY-NC-SA

• Name: Blue duiker
• Scientific name: Philantomba monticola
• Conservation status: Least concern

The blue duiker is a small species of antelope native to central, southern, and eastern Africa. It has short, spiky horns and a dark tail, and is active by day.

Due to its small size and overall vulnerability, the blue duiker is particularly cautious, secretive, and alert. It inhabits old-growth, gallery, and secondary forests, as long as there is a dense understory. Although considered of least concern, for now, it is threatened by bushmeat hunting.

12. African golden cat

• Name: African golden cat
• Scientific name: Caracal aurata
• Conservation status: Vulnerable

The African golden cat is a species of wild cat endemic to West and Central Africa. It inhabits the rainforests of Uganda and is considered vulnerable to extinction because of bushmeat hunting and deforestation.

This wild cat is closely related to the caracal and the serval. It is extremely difficult to spot due to its reclusive habits, and not much is known about this animal. It feeds on tree hyrax and rodents, as well as small monkeys, duikers, and birds.

13. Serval

• Name: Serval
• Scientific name: Leptailurus serval
• Conservation status: Least concern

The serval, closely related to the African golden cat, is another, much more known, species of wild cat native to all of sub-Saharan Africa. Due to its tendency to inhabit protected areas, it is considered of least concern, but suffers from the same threats as other medium to large-sized felids.

This wild cat is solitary and carnivorous and is active both by day and at night. It feeds on rodents, but also on insects, reptiles, and frogs, using its fantastic sense of hearing to locate its prey.

14. Ugandan red colobus

Duncan Wright / CC BY-SA

• Name: Ugandan red colobus
• Scientific name: Piliocolobus tephrosceles
• Conservation status: Endangered

The Ugandan red colobus, also known as the ashy red colobus, is a species of Old World monkey endemic to 5 areas, spread between Uganda and Tanzania. As its name suggests, it has a red cap and a dark face. Its tail is very long, and ideal to climb and leap among tree branches.

Despite having 5 populations, only the Ugandan one is stable and viable, with about 17,000 individuals.

15. L’Hoest’s monkey

Charles J. Shar / CC BY-SA

• Name: L’Hoest’s monkey
• Scientific name: Allochrocebus lhoesti
• Conservation status: Vulnerable

The L’Hoest’s monkey, also known as the mountain monkey, is a species of primate native to the eastern Congo basin. It inhabits the mountainous forest areas of Uganda and usually gathers in small groups, dominated by females. It is very easily distinguished from its relatives thanks to its unique white beard.

This monkey can be found in the western parts of Uganda, at altitudes of up to 2,500 m / 8,200 ft.

16. Sitatunga

• Name: Sitatunga
• Scientific name: Tragelaphus spekii
• Conservation status: Least concern

The sitatunga, also known as the marshbuck, is a medium-sized species of antelope native to central Africa, from the Democratic Republic of the Congo to Cameroon and Uganda. It only inhabits swamps and marsh habitats, and can often be found in tall, dense vegetation, as well as mangrove swamps and riparian thickets.

This mammal spends a large portion of its time feeding, and it is active right after dawn and right before dusk.

17. Common warthog

• Name: Common warthog
• Scientific name: Phacochoerus africanus
• Conservation status: Least concern

The common warthog is a species of wild pig native to sub-Saharan Africa. There, it inhabits savannas, woodlands, and grasslands. Interestingly enough, it is the only species of wild pig adapted to the harsh, arid habitats of Africa.

Although medium-sized, it can be a very tough and dangerous opponent to potential predators such as leopards. When it comes to feeding, the common warthog is omnivorous and feeds on anything from fruits, grasses, and roots to eggs, insects, and carrion.

18. Gray crowned crane

• Name: Gray crowned crane
• Scientific name: Balearica regulorum
• Conservation status: Endangered

The gray crowned crane, also known as the East African crowned crane, the crested crane, or the Kavirondo crane, is a large species of crane native to eastern and southern Africa. It is particularly important in Uganda, as it is the national bird of the country, and it is featured on the national coat of arms, next to the Ugandan kob.

This bird inhabits the dry savannas of Uganda and is listed as endangered due to drainage, pesticide pollution, and overgrazing.

19. Ugandan kob

• Name: Ugandan kob
• Scientific name: Kobus kob thomasi
• Conservation status: Least concern

Speaking of which, the Ugandan kob is a species of antelope native to sub-Saharan Africa, namely in Uganda, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Contrary to other kob subspecies, it has a reddish-brown coat.

This antelope is the national animal of Uganda and is thus of particular importance within the country. It is herbivorous and feeds on reeds and grasses. A single calf is born each year, in November or December, after a gestation period of 9 months.

20. African openbill

Bernard DUPONT / CC BY-SA

• Name: African openbill
• Scientific name: Anastomus lamelligerus
• Conservation status: Least concern

The African openbill is a species of stork native to much of sub-Saharan Africa, as well as the western areas of Madagascar. Although patchily distributed, it is very common and sometimes abundant within its range.

As its name suggests, the African openbill cannot entirely close its bill, as there is a gap in the second half of it. First thought to be used as a nutcracker, it is in fact facilitating the carriage of round objects such as snails.

21. Palm-nut vulture

Steve Garvie / CC BY-NC-SA

• Name: Palm-nut vulture
• Scientific name: Gypohierax angolensis
• Conservation status: Least concern

The palm-nut vulture, also known as the vulturine fish eagle, is a large species of bird of prey and an Old World vulture. It is the only member of its genus and is part of the family “Accipitridae”, which includes eagles, buzzards, and harriers.

As its name implies, the palm-nut vulture usually lives near oil palm plantations. It breeds in savannas and forests, near bodies of water. Despite how impressive it is, it is easily approachable and can often be spotted, even within cities.

22. Crowned eagle

Allan Hopkins / CC BY-NC-ND

• Name: Crowned eagle
• Scientific name: Stephanoaetus coronatus
• Conservation status: Near threatened

The crowned eagle, also known as the crowned hawk-eagle or the African crowned eagle, is a large species of bird of prey native to sub-Saharan Africa. It inhabits various types of forests, as well as riparian woodlands, and almost exclusively feeds on mammals. It is known to be very strong, and also ferocious.

In Uganda, the crowned eagle largely feeds on the red-tailed monkey, which alone makes up for about 40 percent of its diet.

23. Red-tailed monkey

• Name: Red-tailed monkey
• Scientific name: Cercopithecus ascanius
• Conservation status: Least concern

Despite being heavily attacked by crowned eagles, the red-tailed monkeys are overall doing fine, and are thus considered of least concern. Also known as the redtail monkey, Schmidt’s guenon, the black-cheeked white-nosed monkey, or the red-tailed guenon, this primate inhabits several central African countries, including Uganda, South Sudan, Kenya, and Angola.

When it comes to feeding, the red-tailed monkey mainly eats fruits, but also flowers, leaves, and insects.

24. Maneless zebra

• Name: Maneless zebra
• Scientific name: Equus quagga borensis
• Conservation status: Near threatened

The maneless zebra is a subspecies of the plains zebra native to eastern and northern Africa. It is the northernmost subspecies, and mostly subsists in Kidepo Valley National Park, in Uganda.

The plains zebra is the most common and widespread species of zebra, and the maneless zebra is easily recognizable due to, you have guessed it, its lack of mane. It is a herbivorous and highly social animal, which lives in small- to medium-sized herds.

25. Spotted hyena

• Name: Spotted hyena
• Scientific name: Crocuta crocuta
• Conservation status: Least concern

Most people picture large, iconic animals such as the lion or the cheetah to be the most common carnivores in Africa, but it is in fact, and by far, the spotted hyena. Also known as the laughing hyena, it is an extremely successful species and an opportunistic, adaptable omnivore that will not hesitate to scavenge if needed, although primarily a hunter, contrary to popular belief.

In Uganda, the spotted hyena almost exclusively preys on reptiles and birds, whereas it is more often scavenging in other countries such as Zambia.

26. Cheetah

• Name: Cheetah
• Scientific name: Acinonyx jubatus
• Conservation status: Vulnerable

The cheetah is a large species of wild cat native to Africa and central Iran. It is widely known to be the fastest animal on the planet, reaching incredible speeds of up to 128 km/h / 80 mph, but it is in fact “only” the fastest terrestrial animal, being largely outclassed by the peregrine falcon when diving (up to 320 km/h / 200 mph!).

This big cat occurs in the savannas and arid mountain ranges of Uganda, and there are about 7,100 individuals left in the wild. Interestingly enough, some of them were tamed and trained for hunting ungulates in the past.

27. Long-tailed pangolin

Nik Borrow / CC BY-NC

• Name: Long-tailed pangolin
• Scientific name: Phataginus tetradactyla
• Conservation status: Vulnerable

The long-tailed pangolin, also known as the African black-bellied pangolin, is a species of pangolin native to central and western Africa. As its name suggests, it has a very long tail, longer than the rest of its body, and it is a diurnal and arboreal animal, which almost exclusively feeds on ants.

This animal is solitary and shy, and particularly rare in eastern African countries such as Uganda. Its tail is so strong it can hold its entire body, and it often just dangles on tree branches!

28. Aardvark

ucumari photography / CC BY-NC-ND

• Name: Aardvark
• Scientific name: Orycteropus afer
• Conservation status: Least concern

If you have never heard of it, I bet you are surprised by the aardvark. Believe it or not, it is a very common animal in Africa, being found throughout all of sub-Saharan Africa!

This very peculiar mammal is burrowing and nocturnal and has a distinctive pig-like snout, ideal to sniff out its food (mainly termites and ants). Thanks to its very powerful legs, armed with sharp claws, it digs out insects from their hills and feeds on them.

29. African grass owl

• Name: African grass owl
• Scientific name: Tyto capensis
• Conservation status: Least concern

The African grass owl is a species of owl in the barn owl family, much less known than the very widely distributed and common barn owl. Although distinct, it closely resembles the barn owl, with a heart-shaped, white facial disc.

The Ugandan population of the African grass owl is in fact pretty isolated. Its main populations are in Angola, South Africa, Congo, and Mozambique. This owl can be found from sea level to up to 3,200 m / 10,500 ft above it.

30. East African oryx

• Name: East African oryx
• Scientific name: Oryx beisa
• Conservation status: Endangered

The East African oryx, also known as the beisa, is a species of antelope endemic to East Africa: it can be found in different subspecies in countries such as Uganda, Kenya, and Somalia. It inhabits the steppes and semi-deserts of Uganda, from which it might have already been extirpated.

This animal gathers in herds of 5 to 40 individuals, usually with females at the front and large males guarding against the rear.

31. Giraffe

• Name: Giraffe
• Scientific name: Giraffa camelopardalis
• Conservation status: Vulnerable

I know I made you wait for it, but there are indeed giraffes in Uganda! These animals are in my opinion some of the most incredible species in all of Africa, with their impressive size and beautiful, spotted coat. They have long been part of African culture, traditions, and paintings, and their main natural predators are spotted hyenas, leopards, African wild dogs, and lions.

There are 2 subspecies of the giraffe in Uganda, the Nubian giraffe, and the Rothschild’s giraffe.

32. African wild dog

• Name: African wild dog
• Scientific name: Lycaon pictus
• Conservation status: Endangered

It is definitely not often that the African wild dog, also known as the African painted dog, preys on giraffes, but it can definitely happen, usually when prey availability is very low, and a vulnerable fawn is found.

This canid is the largest one in Africa, and it specializes in hunting antelopes to exhaustion. However, it is seriously endangered, as fewer than 6,600 individuals remain, with the largest population comprising fewer than 250 dogs. It might be already locally extinct in Uganda.

33. Aardwolf

Derek Keats / CC BY

• Name: Aardwolf
• Scientific name: Proteles cristata
• Conservation status: Least concern

Similarly to the aardvark, you might have never heard of the aardwolf, and in case you didn’t, I bet you will be surprised once more!

Also known as the termite-eating hyena, the maanhaar-jackal, or the civet hyena, it is a mammal belonging to the Carnivora order, but feeding on insects and larvae: in fact, it can eat as many as 250,000 termites within a single night, despite its small size!

34. Spotted-necked otter

Derek Keats / CC BY

• Name: Spotted-necked otter
• Scientific name: Hydrictis maculicollis
• Conservation status: Near threatened

The spotted-necked otter, also known as the speckle-throated otter, is a species of otter native to sub-Saharan Africa. Compared to other otters, it is quite small, but it has a long, muscular tail. It inhabits much of sub-Saharan Africa and is fairly common in Lake Victoria.

When it comes to feeding, the spotted-necked otter mainly preys on fish, typically small ones of up to 20 cm / 7.9 in in length, as well as crustaceans and frogs.

35. Southern white rhinoceros

• Name: Southern white rhinoceros
• Scientific name: Ceratotherium simum simum
• Conservation status: Near threatened

The southern white rhinoceros, also known as the southern square-lipped rhinoceros, is one of two subspecies of the rhinoceros, and the most common and widespread rhinoceros subspecies. The vast majority of them (93 percent) inhabit South Africa, but there are relict and introduced populations in central Africa, which includes Uganda.

This rhinoceros has a dedicated protected area in Uganda, known as the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. There, it is closely monitored and protected from poachers.

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So there you have them, these were my 35 wild animals in Uganda. I hope you enjoyed this list and that you learned something new today.

In case you want to learn more about animals in the country, feel free to keep reading, as I still have lots of things to tell you about:

Endangered Animals of Uganda

This is definitely the saddest part of the list, but it is very important to raise awareness. Because of this, let’s go through the list of endangered animals in Uganda.

Here are the animals in danger of extinction in Uganda.

Extinct in the wild

• None

Critically endangered

• Ningu
• Lake Victoria deep water catfish
• White-headed vulture
• Eastern gorilla
• Black rhino
• and 35 more…

Endangered

• Ashy red colobus
• African savanna elephant
• Madagascar pond-heron
• Chimpanzee
• Okapi
• and 32 more…

To see the full list of endangered species in Uganda, head over to the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List.

What is the National Animal of Uganda?

The national animal of Uganda is the Uganda kob.

The Ugandan kob is a species of antelope found in Uganda, but also in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and in South Sudan. It has a reddish-brown coat, and is part of the country’s coat of arms, alongside a gray-crowned crane.

This antelope is a symbol of abundance and is the most important animal emblem in Uganda.

How Many Animals Native to Uganda?

What is the diversity of native animals in Uganda?

Let’s look at the total number of species of Chordata (mammals, birds, fishes, and reptiles).

Total number of animal species in Uganda: 1,893 (14,205 in total in sub-Saharan Africa)

More About Animals in the World!

Loved these Uganda animal facts? Want to see what animals live in other countries?

Then check out these posts:

• Wild Animals in Rwanda
• Wild Animals in Malawi
• Wild Animals in Ethiopia

Or click here to see ALL the facts up on the blog! Spoiler alert: there’s A LOT of them.

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