Tree climbing lions in Uganda.

Ishasha is a stunning area within Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda and is a renowned home to the attractive tree climbing lions. The sector consists of attractive candelabra trees with big branches on which the lions climb. There are other various tree species that further make the sector favorable for the tree climbing lions including figs, cactus, acacia etc. The sector is located on the southwestern edge of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Tree climbing lions in Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

The tree climbing lions are an interesting kind but not so much different from the usual lions. They can be observed on game drives conducted within the National Park under the guidance of professional tourist guides and game rangers to ensure that the visitor is provided with the necessary information about the animals and protection. To observe the tree climbing lions clearly, a visitor needs to have a pair of state-of-the-art binoculars to help spot them in the tree branches in both near and far locations.

There are various reasons why these lions climb trees and they have been explained scientifically by researchers and zoologists within the National Park. The lions climb the trees in an attempt to run away from the hot ground during the dry seasons. This is so because when they go up in the trees, branches create a shade for them and the wind gives them a cool breeze which is better than the hot temperatures on the ground.

Lions also climb trees to relax from the exhausting full day’s hunts that they conduct in the savanna grasslands. Lions are said to be among the laziest animals in the ecosystem and they spend a lot of time relaxing and only put in work while they’re going to hunt. It is therefore on such grounds that these lions prefer lazing in the tree branches as they enjoy the shade.

The tree branches are good spying grounds for their prey. Lions climb up in the trees to get opportunities to see animals within their territories and also spot their prey clearly, especially the Uganda Kobs, Defassa waterbuck and zebras.

Lions also climb the trees in an attempt to run away from the biting insects on the ground since they normally disturb their sleep as they rest. These insects include house flies, tsetse flies, midges and mosquitoes which the lions find hard to tolerate.

While in the sector, visitors are advised to keep their eyes open in order to observe the lions since they easily camouflage with the savanna grasslands as they hunt for prey.

 Why are these lions unique?

It is a rare trait among lions to climb up trees unless they are hunting prey. The fact that these lions do it for reasons other than looking for what to eat makes them unique and outstanding from the rest of the species of lions.

The tree climbing lions are also smaller in size compared to other lions in other parks in East Africa, especially the Tsavo lions. Their size also favors their ability to climb trees since they can carry themselves without hassle.

Other animals to see within Ishasha sector apart from tree climbing lions.

The Ishasha sector is home to various other species of animals that can be viewed by travelers apart from the tree climbing lions. These animals include the giant forest hogs, Defassa waterbuck, common genets, common warthogs, African bush elephants, Uganda Kobs, Buffaloes, leopards and countless birds including secretary birds, African fish eagles, turacos, Abyssinian ground hornbill, black bee eaters, piapiacs, yellow billed oxpeckers, marabou stocks, grey crowned cranes and cinnamons.