Uganda is known as “the pearl of Africa,” with the largest mountain gorilla population on the continent and more than 1,030 recorded bird species.
Uganda boasts “the Big 7.” This includes elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, Cape buffalos, gorillas, and chimpanzees.
For many centuries, Uganda was known for its vast elephant herds. Between 1927 and 1958, hunters shot over 32,000 elephants, and poachers killed even more. Active conservation measures have succeeded with a 600% increase in their numbers.
The ground shakes, and the squeal of pain and trumpeting come from two bull elephants in musth fighting in the gathering dusk. They are dangerous, highly aggressive, short-tempered, and in a deadly battle. Their penises dribble urine with a sharp, acrid odor that drifts on the wind.
Rearing on hind legs, massive heads crash with a loud “Thwack!” Tusks lock, twist, and thrust upward to impale with snorts and grunts. The next terrible charge is in slow motion as the big bull pushes the other back in a maniacal dance with locked tusks and trunks quivering with fury.
The fight is clearly over dominance, territory, and sex. Opaque dust clouds rise in the moonlight as a female waits nearby.
