African fish eagles are birds of prey that live in the waterways of sub-Saharan Africa. Shoebills are tall, stork-like birds with wing spans that can reach over 8 feet (2.4 meters). The park is a crucial habitat for giant and tree pangolin, crested porcupine and even Lord Derbys scaly-tailed squirrel (a rodent with a very similar design to flying squirrels). Corrections? [34], Efforts at nature conservation have had contradictory effects, for example when farms were destroyed within Kibirizi, and soldiers and park guards were sent in to patrol, people migrated even further within the park to land controlled by the FDLR, where they could rent small plots of land. A narrow corridor of 35km (1.93.1mi) width along the lake's western bank connects the northern and southern sectors of the national park. There are melodic Kivu ground thrushes, mythical Grauers cuckooshrikes and yellow-crested helmetshrikes, mysterious Albertine owlets and ghostly Congo Bay owls, dazzling purple-breasted and Rockefeller sunbirds, raucous white-headed woodhoopoes, dainty Rwenzori batises, data deficient and endangered Itombwe nightjars, Prigogines greenbuls, Kungwe apalises, Grauers swamp warbler and golden-naped weavers. These mountains are part of the Great Rift Valley. The Mountain Gorillas of Virunga National Park. Goma, the capital city of the province on the northern shores of Lake Kivu is 35 km (1-hour drive) away from Rumangabo, the park headquarters located in the southern sector of Kibumba. The protected area is a portion of the Virunga massif a chain of 8 volcanic mountains that straddle the borders between Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo. Hippopotamuses, rare mountain gorillas, okapis, antelope, warthogs, and pelicans all live in Virunga as well. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. Mount Nyiragongo is 3,470 meters, Mount Nyamuragira is 3,058 meters and Mount Mikeno is 4,437 meters. The Virunga mountains are the most hike in DR Congo and they include Mount Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira which are active volcanoes, and lastly Mount Mikeno which is a dormant volcano. In addition to buffalo, the plains support several ungulates, including topi, Ugandan kob, waterbuck, warthog, and red river and giant forest hog. To the northeast the Ruwenzori Range soars to more than 16,000 feet (4,880 metres). They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. Click here to learn more about the work of the Virunga Alliance. Virunga is the continent's most biologically diverse protected area and a national park embarking on an ambitious development programme known as the "Virunga Alliance". [40] Again in January 2021, armed men killed at least six rangers and wounded several others in an ambush in the national park. Virunga Mountains - Virunga Volcanoes, Virunga Mountain Ranges The okapi is the closest known relative to the giraffe and looks very much as though someone crossed a zebra, antelope, and giraffe. The Virunga Mountains in Volcanoes Park. Oil exploration threatens the Park, sparking deep concerns from the international community. Virunga Mountains in Congo were formed as a result of volcanic activity from the past. The six volcanoes of the centre and east are extinct. Mount Mikeno is an extinct volcano located in the Virunga Mountains. On several occasions a lava stream reached the shores of Lake Kivu. [24], In the late 1950s, Tutsi herders and their cattle entered the park, destroying natural habitat up to an altitude of 3,000m (9,800ft), which was thought to threaten the park's gorillas. [45] This may also be done to protect the highly susceptible apes from human diseases like Covid-19. The mountain gorillas have increased from fewer than 70 to over 300 in ten years and hippos from 300 to over 2,000, while elephant and lion sightings are now a fairly regular occurrence. It is headed by Andr Bauma, a man who has become almost as famous as his gorilla charges. Rwanda is located in East Africa, to the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, at the co-ordinates 200S 300E . Remains of dicots such as African caper (Capparis tomentosa), Maerua species, wild cucurbits, and nightshades were found in dung balls of African elephants (Loxodonta) that play a significant role for seed dispersal in the grasslands. The Virunga Mountains and their associated lava flows extend across the Western Rift Valley. The 300km-long park is divided into three primary sectors: northern, central, and southern, which together combine to protect an astonishing array of landscapes from alpine vegetation and montane forests to lava plains and wetlands. [26] Park personnel are given paramilitary training and high-quality weaponry, and operate together with the military and state security services. [50], The Semliki River provides habitat for Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus). The Virunga Mountains cover three countries of Africa that includes the south Western part of Uganda which covers the Mgahinga National park, the Eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo covering the Virunga National park and the North Western part of Rwanda which covers the Volcanoes National park. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. While sightings of these animal oddities in Virunga are few and far between, they were spotted in the northern sector before the arrival of the militia. The central sector is based around Lake Edward, the Ishasha river valley and the Rwindi plains. [7], After the Second Congo War was over, confrontations between park personnel and rebel groups continued; 80 park staff were killed between 1996 and 2003. [15], Virunga National Park's flora encompasses 2,077 plant species, including 264 tree species and 230 plants that are endemic to the Albertine Rift. The crater of Muhavura contains a small lake. The Centre is the only one of its kind in the world. [5] Virunga National Park, DRC Explore one of the most biodiverse protected areas in the world. Both state security services and such groups also resort to armed robberies and kidnapping for income. Nyiragongo is an active stratovolcano that features the worlds largest lava lake at 700 feet (213 meters) across and reaches 11,380 feet (3,470 meters) in height. In 1926, Derscheid headed the first Belgian mission to map Albert National Park, which encompassed an area of 500km2 (190sqmi) around the extinct volcanoes Mount Karisimbi and Mount Mikeno. Virunga is the only site on earth to have three types of great apes the mountain gorilla, eastern lowland gorilla, and eastern chimpanzee. And last, but not least, the heart-stopping, utterly gorgeous and mysterious Shelleys Crimsonwing, which has never been photographed other than when netted during biodiversity surveys. There are an estimated 30,000 individuals left in the wild. The name Virunga comes from the Kinyarwanda word ibirunga, which means volcanoes. (RSA) +27 (87) 551-8105 In 2007, the mass killing of the Rugendo family of gorillas catapulted the parks plight onto the world stage, and the global attention spurned increased funding and conservation measures. These ranges consist of eight major volcanoes in Uganda, Congo with five of them located in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park. Sabyinyo volcano, located on the border of Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo in the Virunga Mountains, is simply incredible! The endangered eastern lowland gorilla, also known as the Grauers gorilla, is a sub-species of the eastern gorilla that resides in the lowland tropical rainforests of eastern Congo. All travel bookings booked via Trust my Travel are financially protected by them. African alpine bamboo (Yushania alpina) grows at altitudes of 2,3002,600m (7,5008,500ft). When it was first established, Virunga National Park was limited to three volcanoes in the south, but was later expanded northward to include the Rwindi plains, Lake Edward and the Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon. The vegetation above 2,600m (8,500ft) is subalpine with foremost African redwood (Hagenia abyssinica) growing up to 3,000m (9,800ft). This helps to increase understanding of mountain gorilla behaviour, as well as allowing veterinary teams to intervene if gorillas are injured or showing signs of ill health. 689 men and women standing fearlessly to protect Virunga, Critical training and support for widows and children of fallen Virunga Rangers, The world's only facility caring for mountain gorilla orphans. Park protection efforts were militarised in the following years to deter armed rebel groups and poachers from operating inside the park. Virunga mountains in DR Congo They are solitary creatures who remain isolated except when threatened or breeding. Virunga Mountains, Virunga also spelled Birunga, also called Mufumbiro Mountains, volcanic range north of Lake Kivu in east-central Africa, extending about 50 miles (80 km) along the borders of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda. Mikeno and Sabinio are the oldest of these, dating from the early part of the Pleistocene Epoch (the Pleistocene began about 2,600,000 years ago and lasted until about 11,700 years ago); their craters have disappeared, and erosion has imposed a jagged relief. / 2.000S 30.000E / -2.000; 30.000. Harnessed bushbuck (T. scriptus) and giant forest hog (Hylochoerus meinertzhageni) are present in the southern sector. Most visitors access the park via Rwanda and pass through the border at Goma. For decades, the people of the DRC have struggled through war and instability that has killed millions of people. The parks southern tip rests on the northern shore of Lake Kivu, a short distance from the town of Goma to the east. However, taking one taxing step at a time has paid off. As anyone who has ever spent time with gorillas will tell you, it is an experience that defies words and borders on sacred. Naturally, the park authorities are aware of this, and they take the safety of their guests extremely seriously. Flora/Vegatation in Virunga national park - Gorilla Safari Tours It is also a vital elephant habitat, as evidenced by the unexpected migration of nearly 600 elephants from neighbouring Queen Elizabeth at the end of 2020. When Albert National Park was established in April 1925 as the Congo's first national park, it was conceived as a science-oriented nature reserve with the aim of studying and preserving wildlife and so-called "primitive" hunter-gatherer African Pygmies. [5], In 1979, the National Park was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its rich diversity of habitats, exceptional biodiversity and endemism, and its protection of rare mountain gorilla habitat. The connection between man and gorilla can be further explored at the Senkwekwe Centre, the only mountain gorilla orphanage in the world. A conflict between rebel and army forces results in the untimely death of the silverback of the Rugendo family. Tullow Oil Plc, TotalEnergies, ENI and China National Offshore Oil Corporation Ltd (CNOOC) were interested in acquiring drilling permissions. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Key Information. Shoebills can be found in the swamps and marshes of Virungas Central Sector near Lake Edward, the Ishasha River, and the Rwindi River. Ten years later in 1979, Virunga was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dch trong bi cnh "VN QUC GIA CONGO" trong ting vit-ting anh. [14][15][16][17] Indigenous people lost their traditional land rights in this process, and were evicted from the protected area. Both the highest and lowest recorded rainfalls in the republic occur within the parks boundaries: while annual rainfall at Lake Edward is some 20 inches (500 mm), the west slope of Mount Ruwenzori, less than 47 miles (75 km) away, receives more than 118 inches (3,000 mm). The First and Second Congo Wars further destabilised the region. In the west, Nyamulagira, Nyiragongo, and Mikeno are in Congo; Karisimbiat 14,787 feet the highest of the Virunga volcanoesand Visoke are centrally placed on the Congo-Rwanda frontier; and farther east Sabinio (Sabinyo), Mgahinga (Gahinga), and Muhavura, also known as the Mufumbiro Mountains, are . Virunga Mountains: The stunning Virunga Mountains are a chain of Volcano Mountains shared between Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. Photo credit: Greg Homel/Natural Encounters Birding, Photo credit: Brad Clement/Spindrift Adventures, Virungas Rangers are awarded National Geographic Explorer of the Year, The mountain gorilla population is no longer critically endangered, All militia groups removed from Central Sector. The southern sector stretches to the shores of Lake Kivu and encompasses Nyamulagira, Nyiragongo and Mikeno volcanoes with montane forests on their slopes. Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda Parc National Des Volcans Guide VN QUC GIA CONGO Ting anh l g - trong Ting anh Dch It conserves a diversity of habitats that surpasses any other park on the continent and is tucked along the eastern boundary of the Democratic Republic of Congo, protecting the eastward extremity of the Congo Basin. The ICCN and Virunga Foundation enter into a long term management agreement. The increased human population contributed to deforestation and poaching, and some natural animal migration patterns have been seriously disrupted. The ICCN (Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature). Networking & debating APP subscribers only, TRUSTED CONSERVATION PROJECTS While many of the gorillas sensibly prefer to reside on the slopes of the dormant Mikeno volcano, the southern section is also the location of the two active volcanoes in the park Mount Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira. This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/place/Virunga-National-Park, UNESCO World Heritage Centre - Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of the Congo (Kinshasa). The Virunga Foundation is a UK-based charity founded in 2005, created to support the protection of the flora and fauna of the Park, and to generate benefits for the local communities that live around the national park. The number of bird species in Virunga exceeds the total number in the U.S. and is more than three times the number in the U.K. Virungas recorded number of reptile species makes it the richest of the protected areas in Africa. Later in the Pleistocene (about 900,000 to 130,000 years ago), Karisimbi, Visoke, Mgahinga, and Muhavura appeared, all but Karisimbi possessing a crater summit. The Virunga Mountains (Virunga massif/Virunga ranges) is a block of Chain Mountains found in East - central Africa. In elevation, it ranges from 680 m (2,230 ft) in the Semliki River valley to 5,109 m (16,762 ft) in the Rwenzori Mountains.From north to south it extends approximately 300 km (190 mi), largely along the international borders with Uganda and . Approximately one-third of the worlds population is found in Virunga National Park (the remainder is divided between Volcanoes, Mgahinga and Bwindi Impenetrable national parks in neighbouring Rwanda and Uganda). Take a Thrilling Adventure in Uganda Hiking the Sabyinyo Volcano Virunga National Park is one such park, still tumbling in the currents of war, political instability, poverty, and disease. Together with Queen Elizabeth National Park, Virunga is considered by the IUCN to be a Lion Conservation Unit. Hippo numbers increase to over 2000 for the first time in 20 years. Despite the global call for protected areas to cover 30% of the earth by 2030, there are still many parks and reserves where the future hangs very much in the balance. Communities, such as the Mbuti, which previously relied on the lands included in the park for food and shelter have been forced out, or risk being arrested or killed by armed park rangers. The crowned crane stands at over 3 feet (1 meter) tall, with predominantly grey plumage, white and black wings, a bright red gular pouch, and a crown of golden feathers. As is inevitable, this tableau of human suffering has spilt over into the conservation of the countrys natural resources, and Virunga has found itself in the middle of countless conflicts. The Virunga Mountains is located in the East Africa with a chain of volcanoes that are within the borders of the countries Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and Rwanda.The mountain range is said to be a part of the Albertine Rift located in the Great Rift Valley. The past 14 years have been far from plain sailing, and the park has suffered its fair share of losses, particularly of the brave rangers dedicated to protecting the park. Over 90% of refugees settle within walking distance of Park borders. Established 1991, BEST SAFARI PRICES The gorilla massacres catalyzed a groundswell of efforts to protect Virunga. 400,000 people are evacuated and 147 are killed in the eruption. [27][28][29][30], By 2016, four hydropower dams were constructed that provide electricity to small businesses and benefit more than 200,000 rural people. Regional conflict spills over and an estimated 5.6 million Congolese die from the fighting. Situated in a region which has been deeply impacted by the effects of war and armed conflict for over 20 years, Virunga is currently protected by a dedicated team of 689 Rangers. Okapi (Okapia johnstoni), blue duiker (Philantomba monticola), bay duiker (Cephalophus dorsalis), Weyns's duiker (C. weynsi), yellow-backed duiker (C. silvicultor), water chevrotain (Hyemoschus aquaticus), red river hog (Potamochoerus porcus), aardvark (Orycteropus afer) and bongo (Tragelaphus eurycerus) were recorded in the northern sector in 2008. In contrast to the relatively sedate gorilla trekking, chimp habituation more often than not involves an adrenaline-filled race through the forest to keep up with our arboreal relatives. [54] In April, in an effort to end the war, a peace agreement is signed by government and rebel forces. It includes the Rwindi plains and the Ishasha River valley, and is contiguous with Ugandas Queen Elizabeth National Park to the east. Communities around Lake Edward are fearful of the impact of potential oil activity on their livelihoods. At a height of 16,761 feet (5,109 meters), the Rwenzori mountains feature the largest glaciers left on the African continent making this area, populated by glaciers-fed rivers, waterfalls and lakes, one of Africas most beautiful alpine landscapes. In addition to buffalo, the plains support several ungulates, including topi, Ugandan kob, waterbuck, warthog, and red river and giant forest hog. The southern sector borders Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park. Nyiragongo are rewarded with a view of the worlds largest lava lake as it churns and bubbles. Up to 40,000 people entered the park daily in search of firewood and food, and deforested huge areas. In 1861 the British explorer John Hanning Speke saw the Virunga Mountains from a distance; in 1876 the British explorer Sir Henry Morton Stanley obtained a clear though distant view of the three eastern volcanoes; and Count Adolf von Gtzen, a German, explored the two western volcanoes in 1894. Virunga National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is founded primarily to protect the mountain gorillas living in the forests of the Virunga Massif. The world population of mountain gorillas is currently estimated to be at around 1000 individuals. January 17, Nyiragongo volcano erupts spreading lava through the city of Goma. You can make a differenceby joining our community of dedicated individuals who aim to protect Africas oldest national park and bring peace and prosperity for the four million people who depend on it. The mountain range is a branch of the Albertine Rift Mountains, which border the western branch of the East African Rift. Though valiant efforts were made to protect the park, the end of the 20th century saw much of the parks wildlife massacred almost to the point of extinction. The great blue turaco is the largest member of the turaco family. Fortunately, stalwart sightseers can rest assured that the volcanos moods are carefully monitored lest it decides to let loose its fury of molten lava. Carefully selected conservation projects one-stop, seamless, transparent donations APP subscribers only. Park officials are in the process of habituating the chimpanzees, and accompanying the habituation teams is another of the activities on offer in the park. The northern sector receives a monthly mean precipitation of up to 220mm (8.7in), and the southern sector of up to 160mm (6.3in). However, extraordinary doesnt even begin to cover it. chat to the Africa Geographic travel team, Photographer of the Year 2023 Weekly Selection: Week 11. The Virunga Mountains : 8 Related Volcanoes. In altitude, this sector ranges from 680m (2,230ft) in the Puemba River valley to the highest peak of Mount Stanley at 5,109m (16,762ft) within 30km (19mi). The inhabitants inside the national park, whether native or refugees, rely on farming, hunting, fishing, logging and producing charcoal for their livelihoods, all prohibited activities. This may also be done to protect the highly susceptible apes from human diseases like Covid-19. These local men and women go through intensive training, risking their lives on a daily basis to safeguard the Parks exceptional wildlife, including the last of the worlds endangered mountain gorillas. Some biologists even believe that a fifth subspecies, called the mountain or Virunga buffalo, should be recognised. Alongside this essential conservation work, the Park is committed to supporting local communities. Virunga is a biodiversity spectacle but is also a testament to the courage of those that have fought and often given their lives in its defence. Which mountain in Uganda has snow? - 2023 The range lies between the Lake Kivu and Lake Edward, and is an extension of the Albertine Rift Mountains. Geography of Rwanda - Wikipedia About Virunga National Park | Facts, History & Conservation The plains of Virunga National Park are dominated by wetlands and grasslands with papyrus sedge (Cyperus papyrus), jointed flatsedge (C. articulatus), common reed (Phragmites mauritanica), sacaton grasses (Sporobolus consimilis), ambatch (Aeschynomene elaphroxylon), conkerberry (Carissa spinarum), paperbark thorn (Vachellia sieberiana) and kowai fruit (Coccinia grandis). Marked the end of the M23 war, and tourism is officially relauched in the Park after being forced to close for almost two years. They consume mainly fish but have been known to consume carrion, birds, monkeys and even crocodile hatchlings when prey is scarce. app@africageographic.com Naturally, the park authorities are aware of this, and they take the safety of their guests extremely seriously. Virunga National Park is located in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, within the Albertine Rift Valley. The mountain range is a branch of the Albertine Rift Mountains, which border the western branch of the East African Rift. HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF AFRICA GEOGRAPHIC: We're the Africa Geographic editorial team a diverse set of writers, editors, designers and social media natives, all united by our passion for this addictive continent. and wallow in the various rivers, and bongo antelope have been spotted in the parks northern reaches. The 2008 partnership between the Congolese National Parks Authority (ICCN) and the Virunga Foundation marked a turning point in the parks history. Virunga is the continent's most biologically diverse protected area and a national park embarking on an ambitious development programme known as the "Virunga Alliance". Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. As might be expected in a park that encompasses such a large variety of habitats, the birding can be described as extraordinary. [32] [2], In 1996, the national park was listed as a Ramsar site of international importance. The two active volcanoes in the range Mount Nyiragongo and Mount Nyamuragira are in Virunga National Park, and both reach heights of over 3,000 metres. [43], Virunga National Park is located in the Congo Nile watershed area. The northern sector is characterised by the dramatic Rwenzori Mountains, with sharp peaks and plunging valleys that descend to the Semuliki River valley. Surrounded by the mountains and home to Lake Edward, this large expanse of grassland and wooded savanna plays host to the Parks highest concentrations of elephants, buffalos and warthogs. Many lesser cones flank the major volcanoes. Of these, nine gorilla families have been carefully habituated over the last thirty years. Virunga Mountains Virunga is part of the Albertine Rift (the western branch of the East African Rift) and stretches from the snow-covered peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains in the north to the Virunga Massif in the south. To comment on this story: Download our app here - it's a troll-free safe place . (UK) +44 (23) 9387-7464 Clashes occurred in 2015 when a local Mai-Mai group in Binza (north Bwisha) attempted to take back control of region, with the objective of reinstalling fishing activities and allowing the population to return, killing a park guard and 11-15 soldiers. The Rwandan genocide causes nearly two million refugees to flee the country. Discounts at Africas best lodges and on our hand-made packages subscribers only, STORIES & DISCUSSIONS These savannas and woodlands contain many different types of grasses and trees. [35], Increasing militarisation of nature conservation has been accused of fuelling armed mobilisation of militias.