Matheniko-Bokora Wildlife Reserves register increase in the animal population

30 August 2023, 8:42 am

By Joshua Imalingat

Uganda Wildlife Authority-UWA official says that there is a significant increase in the animal population at Matheniko-Bokora Wildlife Reserves.

Initially, gazetted in 1964 as game reserves, the wildlife reserves measure approximately 3,500 square kilometers and are managed as protected constituent areas under the Mt. Elgon conservation area.

The two reserves are home to important wildlife species including; lesser kudus, Bright’s gazelles, ostriches, leopards, cheetahs, buffalos among other wildlife species. 

Over the years, the reserves had seen a reduction in the animal population mainly due to poaching, insecurity, limited man power and lack of funds to help police the area.

Godfrey Richard Matanda, the warden in charge of Bokora-Matheniko wildlife reserve told our Etoil A Karamoja reporters at Sinyu, the reserves headquarters, that the sightings are currently showing an increase in animal population.

According to Matanda, in one of their aerial flight surveys in April, the team was able to see over 200 buffalos at the reserve compared to the previous surveys where they would not sight any animal over a wider area.

He disclosed that basing on the current sightings Uganda Wildlife Authority-UWA is conducting a baseline survey to establish the exact number of animals at the reserves.

Some key potential tourism sites at the two wildlife reserves include Nakadam rock, River Lokichar, Alekilek fossils, Moruangaber, Kobebe depression, Nawaikorot village, Kayepas in Lokopo sub county among others.