In pursuit of achieving SDG 15 to protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss, Avian Conservation Uganda Society, established in 2022, seeks to contribute to responsible development that conserves natural resources for the benefit of future generations – in line with its mission – Avian life for generations.
The Society will take a holistic approach to demonstrate the aesthetic, cultural, economic and natural effects birds have on people, economies and most significantly the environment. Because conservation is a collective effort, Avian Conservation Uganda Society works hand-in-hand with partners in the private and public sectors in key areas of its work to achieve its goals. The aim is to pool expertise, resources and strengths from different competencies and sources to complement each other and bring us closer to achieving Avian life for generations.
The organization has working groups in the Ruhijja sector of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Bigodi in Kibale Forest National Park. The organization aims to at least triple these working groups in the 2023 calendar year.
The Avian Conservation Uganda Society follows the guidelines of the Uganda Wildlife Authority on conservation and plans to pursue a country program-compliant approach to projects, campaigns and actions undertaken by the organization. The Avian Conservation Uganda Society aims to form a robust relationship with public sector organizations and enhance conservation efforts to achieve a more meaningful impact.
Conservation Overview in Uganda:
Uganda is home to uniquely endowed bird habitats due to its location at the intersection of the dense rainforests of the Congo basin in Central Africa and the open savannah woodland of East Africa right between the two arms of the Great rift valley. This unique landscape provides a habitat unlike anywhere else in the world and is home to over 1087 recorded bird species as of 2021. Uganda’s altitude is between 640m and 5109m; boasting of the third highest point in Africa above sea level giving it a wide range of altitude marks that offer different conditions for thriving bird life.
Uganda has over 33 Important Bird Areas(IBAs) and 12 Ramsar sites including the magnificent Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, Mount Elgon National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park and others.
Uganda is also endowed with a great many freshwater lakes including L. Victoria, L. Kyoga, and L. Edward and major rivers such as R. Nile, R. Kagera, and R. Katonga which offer suitable habitats for thriving bird life around them. Consequently, Uganda is home to numerous regional endemic birds including the shy African green-breasted pitta, the elusive Shelley’s Crimsonwing, the Rwenzori turaco, Dusky Crimsonwing, Fox’s weaver, the African Green Broadbill and others.
Several wetland areas are also protected under Uganda laws and managed by the Wetlands Division of the Ministry of Environment under the Ministry of Tourism Wildlife and Antiquities With low population sizes or declining in number. To do this, we have to address many challenges that include poaching of wildlife, habitat loss to agriculture, competing land uses and the recent oil developments in the country. Our site will summarize what Uganda Bird Society will be achieved with its partners and some of the key needs for conservation in this amazingly beautiful country with much focus on birds.