The main carnivores in southwestern Uganda are the hyena, jackal, civet, golden cat, honey badger, zorilla, otter, genet and mongoose. Leopards are extinct in Bwindi and possibly in the Virungas, with three other species doubtful.

The side-striped jackal is not a forest species but has adapted to forest life as the wild savannah has disappeared. In terms of habitat preferences, the jackal and African civet live in degraded forest, while palm civet and golden cat stay in mature forest.

Other carnivores can be found in all habitats, although most prefer higher altitudes. Civets, serval cat, Egyptian mongoose and zorilla like the interior. The golden cat, honey badger, and otters hunt nearer to forest peripheries and humans. Mongoose and otters are generalists and are found at forest edges and degraded forest, low altitude grassland and moist habitats.

Most Bwindi carnivores are solitary except for the mongoose and otters. All are opportunists and only the golden cat and otters are specialists in one type – medium sized mammals for the former and fish for the latter. The main prey are monkeys, duikers, bush pigs, goats, civets, rodents, squirrels, birds, zorillas, beetles, bees and molluscs, while all eat some fruit and leaves. Jackals and African civets often raid village refuse piles, standing crops and livestock, particularly goats and poultry.

Photo of a serval cat: Blasio Byekwaso

This Travel Guide is based on the the Gorilla Highlands Interactive eBook, an award-winning labour of love that gives you a comprehensive insight into the cultures, languages, people and nature that make our area so special. By purchasing the ebook you will contribute to an ambitious initiative that aims to transform southwestern Uganda.