This study determined the occurrence, distribution, population status and food habits of carnivores, and investigated the human factors likely to affect their survival.  Seven sites were selected for in-forest assessment, on the basis of altitude, vegetation type, and extent of forest disturbance. Population status was assessed using both direct methods (night survey) and indirect methods (scent station visitation rates), along transects in the forest.   Geographical Positioning System (GPS) locations of sightings and signs of spoors and scats were used to map the distribution of carnivores.  Food habits were assessed from scat analysis.

Golden cat, Profelis aurata

In addition, a questionnaire was administered to 107 respondents from eight parishes neighboring the park to assess anthropogenic factors likely to affect carnivores’ status.  

Sixteen carnivore species were recorded representing 42 percent of all species that occur in Uganda.  The Clawless otter, Aonyx capensis Schinz, Spotted necked otter, Lutra maculicollis Lichtenstein, Honey badger, Mellivora capensis Schreber, and African wild cat, Felis sylvestris Schreber were recorded for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for the first time. 

The results indicate that human disturbance and ground vegetation cover (GVC) are important factors affecting abundance and distribution of carnivores.  The carnivore species, especially Side-striped jackal, Canis adustus Sundevall and African civet, Viverra civetta Schreber that mostly depend on scavenging and crop raiding as alternative ways of obtaining food items were more common in the periphery of the park, at sites with high human activity.  On the other hand Golden cat, Profelis aurata Temminck, M. capensis and A. capensis which are not scavengers were mostly restricted to sites with minimum human presence.  High GVC appeared to attract the species that are more dependent on rodents as main food items.  The distribution of aquatic carnivores, such as Water mongoose, Atilax paludinosus G. Cuvier, L. maculicollis and A. capensis was associated with the presence of swamps and rivers, while Banded mongoose Mungos mungo Gmelin was restricted to the low altitude side of the park (northern sector), which has predominantly grassland vegetation.

Among the carnivore species recorded, there was no completely specialized feeder.  Wild prey items featured most prominently, with rodents and insects being the most common food items.  Canis adustus and V. civetta had opportunistic feeding habits, complimenting their diets with village refuse, local food crops and wild fruits, while the Golden cat, P. aurata was the only carnivore species whose diet mainly consisted of medium sized herbivores especially duikers. 

The local people had substantial knowledge of carnivore species: more than 80 percent of the carnivores species were known to most of them.  The most important factor determining the attitude of the local residents towards carnivore conservation appeared to be the perceived economic loss resulting from livestock/poultry raiding.  Such raiding was reported to be on the increase as a result of the better protection accorded to wild animals.

The use of, and trade in, skins and other products obtained from carnivores are currently minimal and mostly limited to medicinal purposes.  Genets were the only culturally revered species in the area.  The status of carnivore species is most insecure outside the park as a result of habitat loss and persecution.  Efforts to change negative attitude of people residing in sites close to the park periphery will probably take more time.  This could be achieved through introduction of modern poultry farming methods and conservation education.