Mammals in Kidepo valley

Mammals in Kidepo valley ,twenty eight of the eighty-five mammal species in Kidepo Valley National Park cannot be found anywhere else in Uganda. It is therefore safe to say that it has a large concentration of mammals. Some of these mammals have unique characteristics of the ability to withstand long drought periods associated with high temperatures and low water. Because of this kind of climate, there are no hippos and other chief amphibians in Kidepo Valley National Park.

Most mammals have unique body defense mechanisms for survival in drought like, dieting in food rich in proteins and energy when the food is in plenty, which food is stored in their bodies as fat to keep them going in harsh conditions. Other mammals have long fur that insulates their bodies against high temperatures and reduces dehydration through perspiration.

Most herbivores migrate into the valleys that have oases, while others change their feeding mechanisms to early mornings and late evenings. Some of the pregnant herbivore mammals have a body mechanism that postpones delivery of calves to the rainy season when there is enough grass to graze and enough milk for the young ones to suckle. They may also split into smaller herds spread throughout the park for access of resources during the dry season.

On the other hand, the carnivores, prefer to hunt next to the oases, stalking prey with accurate concealment. Unfortunately, there is a possibility of wild fires that may raze the little that is left of the grasslands and the vulnerable wildlife, like the very young ones, the disabled, the very old and the pregnant. When there are too many mammal species that can be sighted, it is a sign that the rains are coming.

Kidepo Valley National Park is the only destination in Uganda where you can find cheetahs, stripped hyenas, African wild dog, and other rare mammals. Black and white rhinos roamed Kidepo Valley National Park plains in the past but they became extinct due to poaching and hunting.