SHOEBILL IN UGANDA
The Shoebill is a tall bird that has a huge massive shoe-shaped bill, about 19 cm long and it derives its name from its huge Bill which is Shoe Shaped .Some people reffer to it as the ugliest bird on Earth .
In Uganda one can spot Shoebills in Mabamba swamp along lake Victoria ,Semiliki wildlife reserve,Nabajuzi Swamp, In the Isasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National park near Lake Edward ,lake Mburo National Park, and along the Nile in Murchson Falls National park .
REPRODUCTION:
.They start breeding when its a raining season such that young ones hatch at the beginning of the dry season.
.They start breeding when its a raining season such that young ones hatch at the beginning of the dry season.
They usually lay two or three eggs and both parents share incubation duties for a month before the chicks are hatched and have to be fed for several months before they can forage for food on their own
The eggs measure 80-90 mm x 57-61 mm.The newborn chicks are able to fly after about 100 days, while it will take them 3 years before they become fully
sexually mature.
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DIET
DIET
Shoebills wait for the dry season, while water levels are low such that capturing of fish which they feed on is easened They are carnivorous animals and mostly feed on fish like Lung and Tilapia fish , Turtles, Water Snakes, Lizards, Frogs, young Crocodiles, young water birds, Snails, Rodents and also muddy waters
They feed in various ways. They often stand in water, waiting for prey passing by. It is almost motionless, with bill pointed downwards in water . It may sometimes stand on floating vegetation, watching for prey. Its long toes spread its weight, but gradually. It can also walk slowly along water, searching for food
They feed in various ways. They often stand in water, waiting for prey passing by. It is almost motionless, with bill pointed downwards in water . It may sometimes stand on floating vegetation, watching for prey. Its long toes spread its weight, but gradually. It can also walk slowly along water, searching for food
.LIFE SPAN
Their Life Span is 30 years or more while in Captivity
THREATS TO SHOE BILLS
Shoebills are threatened by habitat loss in certain parts of Uganda . Drainage of wetlands is done for human developments such as fishing , brick making, and Human Settlements.
Shoebills are threatened by habitat loss in certain parts of Uganda . Drainage of wetlands is done for human developments such as fishing , brick making, and Human Settlements.
Most Uganda Fisher men regard seeing a Shoebill is a sign of bad luck for that day so they think clearing away their habitant will eliminate them completely .
They are also caught and sold to zoos and others are killed for food.
The government should put strict laws and regulations on the issues concerned with conservation of different habitats.These are Tourism potentials and alot of income is generated through Tourism which then Diversifies the Economy for a sustainable development.
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