Semuliki vegetation is classified as a semi-deciduous forest, and it is the only true low and tropical forest in Uganda and among very few forests in Africa. Much of the forest is dominated by cynometra alexandii commonly known as iron wood, but the edges are attractively varied with riverine swampy forest along the Semuliki River and the Savannah grassland to the North-East.
Of the 336 tree species recorded within Semuliki National Park, 24 species of these trees are restricted and 3 species are considered endangered. Flowering plants recorded in the park are more than 7.4% of Uganda’s total and of these plant species, 7 species are endemic.
The restricted tree species are shared by the neighboring forest area in the region.
Some of the restricted species in Semuliki vegetation include, Ecuphorbia cactus and Chrysophyllum begui among others.
These tree species have greatly contributed to tourism, which makes Semuliki a unique safari destination. Because of this, some of these trees are feeding plants for the birds, primates and wildlife animals in general.
More About Semuliki National Park and Semuliki Vegetation
Semuliki National Park is located in Bwamba County, a remote part of Bundibugyo District, in western Uganda. It was made a national park in October 1993 thus making it one of Uganda’s newest national parks.
It is the only tract of true lowland tropical forest in East Africa, hosting more than 440 recorded bird species, 9 primates, 336 plant species, 40 of which are restricted in the park. There are also more than 374 species of butterflies and 63 mammals. Semuliki is known as one of the birding destinations and mostly visited for birding as the major activity that brings visitors to the park.
Semuliki National Park has over 63 mammal species, including forest buffalos, leopards, hippos, mona monkeys, water chevrotains, bush babies, civets, elephants, and the pygmy flying squirrel (Idiuus zenkeri). Nine species of duikers are found in the park, including the bay duiker (Cephalophus dorsalis). Semuliki National Park has nine primate species and more than 374 butterfly species.