10 Lions Killed in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Ten lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park have been killed
The report by wildlife expert says the lion population was estimated at 100. The lions died following the invasion of the park by the Basongora herdsmen. In the areas occupied by the Basongora, the most common animals encountered are Buffaloes, Bushbuck, Waterbuck and Lions during recent months. The report said one of the lions was sick around October while the where about of the either nine could not be established. The lions comprised of the group of nine that followed the cattle very closely and they have eaten calves that normally graze without a herdsman. The local community has stated that people with cows in the park have boasted about the killing of lions
Elephants have been pushed at the edges of the park and to the community land across River Nyamugasani, where they have been heavily involved in crop raiding the report said. The Uganda kobs also keep moving away from the location of the cattle. The lions are under particular threat because of their likelihood of attacking cattle. The report said further that always carcasses are poisoned when the cows are killed and this in turn poisons the lions that return to feed on the carcasses as well as hyenas, vultures and any that grazes near by. The report said in June 2006, four hyenas died and nine others went missing and poaching had escalated as game meat. However the orders passed by His Excellency President Y.K Museveni around October that all encroachers on national reserves and wildlife conservation areas vacate the areas will allow wildlife multiply and boast further development if taken serious.