UWA Secures New Temporary Home for Egrets Displaced by KCCA Tree-Cutting
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has stepped in to provide a new home for 33 Cattle Egrets displaced by tree-cutting activities along Jinja Road, carried out by the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA).
UWA’s Problem Animal Control Unit rescued the birds on Monday, October 14, after their habitat was destroyed.
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Among the rescued were eighteen sub-adults and fifteen chicks, who were immediately transferred to the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (UWEC) in Entebbe for medical assessment and care.
While two of the birds were found deceased, 31 survived.
Bashir Hangi, the UWA's Communications and Public Relations Manager, reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to ensuring the birds’ full recovery before they are returned to the wild.
" We have taken them in for rehabilitation and later release," he told the Nile post.
A clinical assessment revealed that thirteen of the chicks were in critical condition, suffering from injuries, weakness, and lethargy caused by falls during the tree-cutting. Six of these chicks later died despite the efforts of veterinary staff.
The surviving egrets are receiving specialised care, including electrolyte therapy, nutritional support, and environmental enrichment to aid in their recovery.
The release of the egrets after their rehabilitation (on a date not disclosed) is expected to have a positive impact on the local ecosystem. Cattle Egrets play a crucial role in pest control by feeding on insects and other small animals in agricultural areas, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.
However, with the destruction of their previous habitat along Jinja Road, the challenge lies in finding a new location that can support their needs and reintegrate into a stable ecosystem, where they can continue their natural behaviour, including feeding on insects and small animals.
UWA expressed gratitude for public support in its wildlife conservation efforts, stressing the importance of protecting natural habitats. The incident serves as a reminder of the risks posed by urban development and deforestation, with UWA urging communities to be more mindful of wildlife protection.
