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Having more than 550 plant species,
Mahale is rich in plants. Researchers believes that at least 1,000
flower plants are found within the national park boundary. The plant
species have been a major influence for the life of chimpanzees, who
utilize 328 food items from 198 plant species. Some of these plants are
used by chimpanzees as medicine and appetizers.
Location:
Mahale is located south of
Kigoma
Town
about 150 kilometers away. Covering an area of 1600 square kilometers.
It was first documented in VL Cameron's "Across Africa"
in 1877, however, the park was thrown into
prominence in 1958 when a group of scientists from
Oxford started scientific exploration
Though it is well-known for chimpanzees and baboons,
Mahale Mountains National Park has also savannah adapted species of
East and South Africa, forest adapted species of
West and Central Africa or Congo Basin animals. Among
them are the giant squirrel, red-legged sun squirrel,
brush-tailed porcupine, Angolan black and white-Colobus
(which are regarded to be a new species in this area),
Bushy-tailed mongoose, and sharp's grysbok.
Other
animals in the national park include:
leopards (increasing in number), lions, African hunting
dogs, Kudus, elands, roans and sable antelopes,
giraffes, buffaloes and elephants.
Birding:
Different kind of birds have been recorded here. On the lake shore, where
there are bushes of reed, small swamp and fields, grassland species such as
the red-collared widowbird can be seen. In the site of the former village of
Kasiha, where palm trees are dominant, the speckled mouse birds are seen
building their nests. Crown-eagles, bee-eaters and rollers can be observed
at Mountain Nkungwe, while in the gallery forests along Kansyana Valley
group of crested guinea fowl, Ross's Turaco; a vivid colored bird on the
tree tops, and parrots can be seen. The highest peak is 2,460m
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It is
specifically for active safari; it takes place on foot
through dense forest. Mahale Mountains is a prime destination for primate lovers,
ornithologists, forest dwellers and nature trailers.
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