KAMPALA – Six lions have been found dead and dismembered after a suspected poisoning in one of Uganda’s most famous parks.
The lions were found in Queen Elizabeth National Park with their heads and paws hacked off, and their bodies surrounded by dead vultures, officials said.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) said it “cannot rule out illegal wildlife trafficking”.
An investigation has been launched, with conservationists working with local police at the scene.
In a statement, UWA’s communications manager Bashir Hangi said they were “saddened” by the killings.
He added that nature tourism is an important part of Uganda’s economy, contributing about 10 percent of its Gross Domestic Product, and plays a vital role in the conservation of animals.(BBC)
