Uganda’s landscapes—from Albertine Rift forests to crater lakes—support wildlife found nowhere else on Earth. Exploring these habitats reveals plants and animals that evolved in isolation, so a focused list helps spotlight species that matter for local conservation and curious travelers.
There are 10 Animals Only Found in Uganda, ranging from Beadles’ Cichlid to Zebra Obliquidens. For each species you’ll find below the Scientific name, Range in Uganda, and IUCN status to make comparisons simple and useful as you read through the list you’ll find below.
How do researchers confirm a species is endemic to Uganda?
Researchers combine field surveys, historical museum records, peer-reviewed studies and genetic analyses to map a species’ range; if all verified records fall within Uganda’s borders and no reliable sightings exist elsewhere, the species is considered endemic—though ranges can change with new data.
Can visitors see these endemic species in the wild, and how can they do so responsibly?
Many endemics are viewable in protected areas or specific freshwater sites; visit established parks, hire licensed local guides, follow trail rules, avoid disturbing habitats, and check seasonal access to increase chances of sightings while supporting conservation.
Animals Only Found in Uganda
| Common name | Scientific name | Range in Uganda | IUCN status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fox’s Weaver | Ploceus spekeoides | Wetlands and papyrus swamps in eastern and northern Uganda. | Near Threatened |
| Zebra Obliquidens | Haplochromis latifasciatus | Lake Kyoga system and Lake Nawampasa, both entirely within Uganda. | Critically Endangered |
| Kyoga Cichlid | Haplochromis kyogae | Lake Kyoga, a large shallow lake complex in central Uganda. | Vulnerable |
| Kyoga Mouthbrooder | Haplochromis worthingtoni | Endemic to the Lake Kyoga and Lake Nawampasa systems. | Near Threatened |
| Beadles’ Cichlid | Haplochromis beadlei | Lake Nabugabo, a small satellite lake of Lake Victoria. | Vulnerable |
| Simpson’s Cichlid | Haplochromis simpsoni | Confined entirely to Lake Nabugabo, near Lake Victoria. | Vulnerable |
| Nabugabo Cichlid | Haplochromis annectidens | Restricted to the small, isolated Lake Nabugabo. | Vulnerable |
| Lake Nabugabo Hunter | Haplochromis venator | Only found in Lake Nabugabo and its surrounding swamps. | Vulnerable |
| Paro’s Cichlid | Haplochromis parorthostoma | Found only within the Lake Kyoga and Lake Nawampasa water systems. | Vulnerable |
| Kyoga Big-jaw | Haplochromis macrognathus | Restricted to the Lake Kyoga system in central Uganda. | Near Threatened |
Images and Descriptions
Fox’s Weaver
Uganda’s only endemic bird, this brightly colored weaver is a prized sighting for birdwatchers. It builds intricate nests in papyrus swamps, and its survival is linked to the health of these threatened wetland habitats. It is found nowhere else on Earth.
Zebra Obliquidens
A stunningly patterned cichlid with bold black bars on a yellow-orange body. Endemic to the Lake Kyoga system, it’s critically endangered due to habitat degradation and predation by the invasive Nile Perch. It is popular in the aquarium trade.
Kyoga Cichlid
This small cichlid is one of several species found only in the unique, shallow waters of the Lake Kyoga system. Like many of its relatives, it faces threats from invasive species and changes in water quality, making its entire population vulnerable.
Kyoga Mouthbrooder
Named for an early African fisheries researcher, this species is restricted to the Lake Kyoga basin. It is a maternal mouthbrooder, where the female protects her eggs and young fry by carrying them in her mouth, a fascinating survival strategy.
Beadles’ Cichlid
One of five cichlid species found only in Lake Nabugabo. This lake became isolated from Lake Victoria about 5,000 years ago, allowing unique species like this one to evolve in isolation. Its existence is tied to this single, small lake.
Simpson’s Cichlid
A species found exclusively in Lake Nabugabo, a sand-dune-dammed lake. It evolved separately from its Lake Victoria relatives after the lake was cut off. This remarkable isolation makes it a key subject for studying rapid evolution in fish.
Nabugabo Cichlid
This fish is a testament to evolution in action, found only in Lake Nabugabo. Its speciation occurred after the lake was separated from the main Lake Victoria, highlighting how geographic isolation can quickly create new and unique forms of life.
Lake Nabugabo Hunter
A predatory cichlid whose Latin name means “hunter,” endemic to the small Lake Nabugabo system. Its specialized feeding habits and extremely limited range make it highly susceptible to environmental changes within its one and only home.
Paro’s Cichlid
Another unique inhabitant of the Lake Kyoga basin, this cichlid is adapted to the specific conditions of these shallow, papyrus-fringed waters. Its entire world is this single lake system, making its conservation a priority for Uganda’s aquatic biodiversity.
Kyoga Big-jaw
As its scientific name suggests, this cichlid is characterized by its relatively large jaw, an adaptation for its diet. It is endemic to the Lake Kyoga complex, a unique ecosystem that harbors several fish species found nowhere else on the planet.
