Virunga has a vision for responsibly harnessing the Parks natural resources to create new opportunities for the four million people that live within a days walk of its borders. UNESCO designated the park a World Heritage site in 1979, and it was placed on the List of World Heritage in Danger in 1994, because of the growth of permanent settlements within the park and the influx of a great number of refugees fleeing war in neighbouring Rwanda. Elevations, climates, and habitats vary notably in Virunga National Park. Oil exploration by an English company only added to threats facing the already beleaguered park. It is founded primarily to protect the mountain gorillas living in the forests of the Virunga Massif. 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 . Preventing these plans the park gained further protection by an agreement sealed between DRCs president Felix Tshisekedi and Boris Johnson at the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow. In 1969, following the countrys independence from Belgium in 1960, the Park was renamed Virunga National Park. The Park is founded as Parc Albert, the first national park to be established on the African continent. Coordinates: .mw-parser-output .geo-default,.mw-parser-output .geo-dms,.mw-parser-output .geo-dec{display:inline}.mw-parser-output .geo-nondefault,.mw-parser-output .geo-multi-punct{display:none}.mw-parser-output .longitude,.mw-parser-output .latitude{white-space:nowrap}012545S 293254E / 1.42917S 29.54833E / -1.42917; 29.54833. Virunga Mountains in Congo were formed as a result of volcanic activity from the past. The slopes of Mount Mikeno play host to a number of Virungas critically endangered mountain gorilla families. 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. Tourism remains a cornerstone of the parks conservation efforts, and to that end, all of the lodges within the park are non-profit, with all proceeds fed back into keeping the park protected. Virunga owes its existence, at least in part, to the presence of the endangered (, . Getting to the summit of these mountains takes an average of 5 . African fish eagles are birds of prey that live in the waterways of sub-Saharan Africa. The Centre is the only one of its kind in the world. Adult African fish eagles have mostly brown bodies with a white head and yellow face and large, powerful, black wings. The largest herd of elephants over 500 - since the 1980's are observed in the Ishasha corridor of Virunga. Fortunately, stalwart sightseers can rest assured that the volcanos moods are carefully monitored lest it decides to let loose its fury of molten lava. Learn more about the Okapi Conservation Project, a project working to protect these unique mammals in the DRC, as well as the forests and creatures of Okapi Wildlife Reserve. Virunga National Park is a national park in the Albertine Rift Valley in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.It was created in 1925. (800,000 hectares) an area roughly three times the size of Luxembourg. The Grauers gorillas consist of a handful of individuals isolated to the inaccessible Mount Tshiabirimu region of the park. Learn more about the history of Virunga National Park by exploring the timeline below. [7] About 850,000 refugees lived around the national park in 1994. 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). The Virunga Mountains and their associated lava flows extend across the Western Rift Valley. Lake Edward, one of the most fertile lakes in Africa, is home to numerous bird, fish, and mammal species. Sabyinyo volcano, located on the border of Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo in the Virunga Mountains, is simply incredible! The ICCN and Virunga Foundation enter into a long term management agreement. This partnership initiated a comprehensive reform program and planted the seed for what would become the Virunga Alliance an innovative development programme to address the root causes of poverty and conflict, with the aim of eradicating illegal and destructive resource extraction in the region. Over 90% of refugees settle within walking distance of Park borders. [15], Virunga National Park's faunal species include 196 mammals, 706 bird species, 109 reptiles and 65 amphibians as of 2012. It includes the Rwindi plains and the Ishasha River valley, and is contiguous with Ugandas Queen Elizabeth National Park to the east. Discounts at Africas best lodges and on our hand-made packages subscribers only, STORIES & DISCUSSIONS This savannah-like section offers the best chance to spot the more traditional safari animals, including elephant, lion, and buffalo. and wallow in the various rivers, and bongo antelope have been spotted in the parks northern reaches. In 2008, the Congolese National Parks Authority, (Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature, ICCN), and the Virunga Foundation (then known as the Africa Conservation Foundation), entered into a partnership to manage the Park. Some biologists even believe that a fifth subspecies, called the mountain or Virunga buffalo, should be recognised. Though valiant efforts were made to protect the park, the end of the 20. century saw much of the parks wildlife massacred almost to the point of extinction. However, taking one taxing step at a time has paid off. The best way to establish the state of affairs and what activities are on offer is to chat to the Africa Geographic travel team, who are in constant communication with Virungas park authorities and regularly send intrepid travelers to the area when it is safe to do so. The lake lies over 3000 feet (916 meters) above sea level and covers a surface area of 224,083 hectares, making it the 15th largest lake in Africa. Fortunately, stalwart sightseers can rest assured that the volcanos moods are carefully monitored lest it decides to let loose its fury of molten lava. From north to south it extends approximately 300km (190mi), largely along the international borders with Uganda and Rwanda in the east. Updates? chat to the Africa Geographic travel team, Photographer of the Year 2023 Weekly Selection: Week 11. (US) +1 (786) 655-4040, *Call costs: Local rates apply from South Africa, UK and US otherwise international rates apply, newsletter@africageographic.com The orphanage is named for a silverback killed in a devastating poaching incident in 2007 that claimed the lives of seven members of the Rugendo family. The 2008 partnership between the Congolese National Parks Authority (ICCN) and the Virunga Foundation marked a turning point in the parks history. 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. 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. Following international protests, the company stopped exploring activities and consented to refrain from starting similar operations in the vicinity of World Heritage sites. 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. In direct response to the massacres, the Senkwekwe Centre is established to care for the orphans of the massacre. There is a place in the heart of Africa where glacier-tipped mountains tumble down into steamy rain forests, where fiery lava lakes bubble, and savannas and grasslands stretch as far as the eye can see. Virunga owes its existence, at least in part, to the presence of the endangered (once critically endangered) mountain gorillas. Also known as: Birunga Mountains, Mufumbiro Mountains. On any given day, its shores abound with hippos, elephants, crocodiles, and chimpanzees. The Karisoke Research Center, founded by Dian Fossey to observe gorillas in their native habitat, is located between Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke. The northern sector is characterised by the dramatic Rwenzori Mountains, with sharp peaks and plunging valleys that descend to the Semuliki River valley. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. [51][52][53] Other ungulates present include Ugandan kob (Kobus kob thomasi), waterbuck (K. ellipsiprymnus), andcommon warthog (Phacochoerus africanus). Chattering troops of flamboyant eastern black-and-white colobus monkeys frequent the lodges while the booming calls of De Brazzas monkeys echo through the valleys. Virunga National Park is one of the five UNESCO protected areas that fall under the jurisdiction of the ICCN. To the northeast the Ruwenzori Range soars to more than 16,000 feet (4,880 metres). They eat mostly fruit, but also feed on buds, shoots, leaves, flowers, and insects. Virunga staff are caught in the fighting, but maintain their presence and eventually negotiate Park access to protect the mountain gorillas. Together with Queen Elizabeth National Park, Virunga is considered by the IUCN to be a Lion Conservation Unit. The human population there, which was negligible when the park was established, increased considerably during the late 20th century. Lake Rutenzige is fed by several large rivers, the Rutshuru River being one, and drains to the north through the Semliki River into Lake Albert. [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. Tourism facilities were developed and improved, and a trickle of intrepid visitors gradually turned into a steady stream of people looking to experience one of Africas most incredible destinations. Following the Rwandan genocide, thousands of refugees fled to the Kivu region, and the presence of military increased. The worlds entire population of critically endangered mountain gorillas live only in the Virunga Massif and Bwindi National Park, which spans parts of Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and Rwanda. Farther north are the Rutshuru Falls and the Mai ya Moto sulfur springs. It was the first national park to be established on the continent of Africa, primarily to protect the mountain gorillas living in the forests of the Virunga Massif. Massive pods of hippo lurk around the shallows of Lake Edward and wallow in the various rivers, and bongo antelope have been spotted in the parks northern reaches. Ethnic groups living in and around Virunga National Park include: The documentary Virunga documents the work of Virunga National Park rangers and the activities of British oil company Soco International within the park. Mountain gorillas aside, Virungas great ape collection also includes eastern lowland gorillas (Grauers gorillas Gorilla beringei graueri) and chimpanzees. Virunga national park located in the democratic republic of Congo hosts 6 Virunga volcanoes that is mount karisimbi, mount Nyiragongo, mount Sabyinyo, mount Mikeno, mount Nyamurangira, and Mount Bisoke. 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. Furthermore, a substantial number of these are Albertine Rift and Congolese endemics. 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. Oil exploration by an English company only added to threats facing the already beleaguered 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. In the wake of serious security issues, including the murder of park rangers and the kidnapping of tourists, park management announced in June 2018 that the park would be closed to tourists until at least the end of the year. This may also be done to protect the highly susceptible apes from human diseases like Covid-19. In addition to buffalo, the plains support several ungulates, including topi, Ugandan kob, waterbuck, warthog, and red river and giant forest hog. [48], The montane forest between 1,800 and 2,800m (5,900 and 9,200ft) in the southern sector is dominated by Ficalhoa laurifolia and Podocarpus milanjianus with up to 25m (82ft) high trees. Baumas love for his primate family endeared him to the audiences of the Oscar-nominated film, Virunga. Throw in nocturnal displays of volcanic ambivalence, and the Virunga experience is far beyond the average escape from the humdrum of city life it is an exhilarating embrace of everything that makes Africa truly wild. Virunga is an English derived word from its origin word "ibirunga" (comes . In the national park's northern sector, African leopard (P. pardus pardus), marsh mongoose (Atilax paludinosus), giant pangolin (Smutsia gigantea), tree pangolin (Phataginus tricuspis), crested porcupine (Hystrix cristata), Lord Derby's scaly-tailed squirrel (Anomalurus derbianus), Boehm's bush squirrel (Paraxerus boehmi), western tree hyrax (Dendrohyrax dorsalis), Emin's pouched rat (Cricetomys emini) and checkered elephant shrew (Rhynchocyon cirnei) were recorded during surveys in 2008. All travel bookings booked via Trust my Travel are financially protected by them. To find lodges, search for our ready-made packages or get in touch with our travel team, scroll down to after this story. It is an extraordinary park steeped in a history of tragedy and heroism: primordial and viscerally wild. The 8 Virunga Volcano Mountains: The Virunga is a chain of Volcanic Mountains in East Africa that's shared between Uganda, Rwanda and DRC. 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). Virunga National Park is a national park in the Albertine Rift Valley in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. These, in turn, keep the lions of the park suitably satiated. Not more than 20,000 years ago Nyiragongo and Nyamulagira emerged at the western end of the chain, both with extensive craters. editors@africageographic.com It is also a vital elephant habitat, as evidenced by the unexpected migration of, nearly 600 elephants from neighbouring Queen Elizabeth. The ICCN (Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature). Naturally, the park authorities are aware of this, and they take the safety of their guests extremely seriously. The mountain range consists of eight major volcanoes. The Parks 3,000 square miles (7,800 square kilometers) is comprised of four sectors northern, central, southern and lake sector each with an unrivaled diversity of landscapes and ecosystems. The Virunga chained Mountains cover three African countries, including the southwestern of Uganda, which covers Mgahinga Gorilla National Park; the Democratic Republic of Congo in the east, covering the Virunga national park, and Rwanda covering the Volcanoes National park. [35], Increasing militarisation of nature conservation has been accused of fuelling armed mobilisation of militias. Flora/Vegatation in Virunga national park; Virunga's strategic location at the frontier between various biogeographic zones offers it an upper hand to protect both tropical rainforest and eastern steppe species and its range of altitudes adds to the habitat variety.The diversity in flora includes: bamboo and Hagenia forest on the mountains; equatorial forest along the Semiliki; wooded . Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Hippos, which can weigh up to 4,400 pounds (almost 2,000 kilograms), make their home in many different rivers, lakes, and pools throughout Virunga. Learn more about mountain gorillas in our story on these gentle giants. Virungas southern sector is best known for its montane tropical forests, active volcanoes, and the mountain gorillas that live on the flanks of the dormant Mikeno volcano. The Virunga Mountains that mark the southern sector of the park consist of eight major volcanoes, most of which are dormant. The 2008 partnership between the Congolese National Parks Authority (ICCN) and the Virunga Foundation marked a turning point in the parks history. Described by the Virunga park authorities as the Congos real treasure (rather than oil or metals), there are believed to be over 300 of these precious primates within the park. Government officials supported exploration activities by Soco International mission members, whereas park management opposed. In the course of increasing tensions, the park's chief warden, Emmanuel de Mrode, was assailed in April 2014. The volcanos forested lower slopes are home to a variety of animals, including chimpanzees, monkeys, and bushbuck. However, this is no idle volcano. Geography of Rwanda. Alongside this essential conservation work, the Park is committed to supporting local communities. The local community has developed negative feeling towards park personnel and the military. is the branch of the Congolese government tasked with the protection and conservation of protected areas in the DRC. The Virunga Mountains are home of the critically endangered mountain gorilla, listed on the IUCN Red List of Endangered Species due to habitat loss, poaching, disease, and war (Butynski et al. [18] In 1969, the two parks were merged under the name Virunga National Park, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. Here, Virunga reaches Lake Kivu and borders Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda. Explore one of the most biodiverse protected areas in the world. 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. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. [2] It covers an area of 8,090km2 (3,120sqmi). The first maps resulted from the major expedition of Adolf Friedrich, duke of Mecklenburg, which was undertaken in 190708. The name Virunga comes from the Kinyarwanda word ibirunga, which means volcanoes. [5][21][49][50], African bush elephant (Loxodonta africana), hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) and African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) inhabit the national park's central sector. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. app@africageographic.com The protected area was extended in 1929 by Virunga National Park, which encompassed the Virunga Mountains, parts of the Rutshuru Territory, and the plains south of Lake Edward. In Virungas southern sector around Bukima, there are currently ten habituated gorilla families and four solitary males which are also habituated, meaning that they are unafraid of human presence. Virunga National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Located in East Africa, the Virunga Mountains are a series of volcanoes that extends along northern part of Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Uganda. Satellite images showed hotspots at Nyamuragira volcano in early 2017, indicating ongoing eruptions. Key Information. Nyiragongos summit rim is largely devoid of vegetation and is sometimes dusted with snow. Want to go on a safari to Virunga? [34], These tactics, criticised as "militarization of conservation", has been blamed for further violence and dispossession faced by local indigenous people. Most visitors access the park via Rwanda and pass through the border at Goma. These, in turn, keep the lions of the park suitably satiated. 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. In April, in an effort to end the war, a peace agreement is signed by government and rebel forces. Virunga National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site internationally recognized for its exceptional wildlife and habitats. Mountain gorillas (, ) are a subspecies of the critically endangered eastern gorilla, and there are believed to be just over 1,000 remaining. 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. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. Updates? The range runs east-west, perpendicular to the rift valley in which lie Lakes Kivu and Edward. These savannas and woodlands contain many different types of grasses and trees. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. Hippo numbers increase to over 2000 for the first time in 20 years. Mass killings of nearly 400 hippos are orchestrated by local militia who are suspected of eating and selling the meat and removing teeth for ivory. 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. Baumas love for his primate family endeared him to the audiences of the Oscar-nominated film, Mountain gorillas aside, Virungas great ape collection also includes, While the apes may be the stars, the supporting cast of around 19 smaller primate species is deserving of a special mention. The female, with a wingspan of up to 8 feet (2.4 meters), is larger than the male. The latter organisation is responsible for park management since 2010; about 80% of management costs are subsidised by the EC. [45], The climate in the Albertine Rift is influenced by the movement of the Intertropical Convergence Zone and the El NioSouthern Oscillation. Nyiragongo are rewarded with a view of the worlds largest lava lake as it churns and bubbles. [2] It is comparable in size to Haiti or the state of . Corrections? The word Virunga is and English word derived from Kinyarwanda word "Ibirunga" to meat "Mountains" [54] Of these, nine gorilla families have been carefully habituated over the last thirty years.
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