[14][15][16][17] Indigenous people lost their traditional land rights in this process, and were evicted from the protected area. Virunga National Park, DRC It covers an area of 8,090 km2 (3,120 sq mi). [50], The Semliki River provides habitat for Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus). Communities around Lake Edward are fearful of the impact of potential oil activity on their livelihoods. They studied and collected zoological specimens of wildlife for the Muse Royal d'Histoire Naturelle de Belgique;[20][21] explored the ethnic groups in this area;[22] studied volcanic activity,[23] and fossils. 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. The parks southern tip rests on the northern shore of Lake Kivu, a short distance from the town of Goma to the east. The local community has no where else to turn for security, and relies on the protection of armed groups, for which fees are levied off the prohibited activities. Also known as: Birunga Mountains, Mufumbiro Mountains. [31], Since the early 1990s, the protected area was impacted by political turmoil in the African Great Lakes region. The 2002 Nyiragongo eruption destroyed much of the nearby city of Goma, Congo, leaving thousands homeless. The Karisoke Research Center, founded by Dian Fossey to observe gorillas in their native habitat, is located between Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke. Two major African rivers, the Nile and the. These, in turn, keep the lions of the park suitably satiated. Virunga Mountains [61][62] Ndakasi, a gorilla from the park, was featured in a few television series and movies, including the Netflix documentary.[63]. The range lies between the Lake Kivu and Lake Edward, and is an extension of the Albertine Rift Mountains. The name Virunga comes from the Kinyarwanda word ibirunga, which means volcanoes. With a checklist of 706 different species, there are more birds in Virunga than in the entire United States of America. Virunga National Park is home to around a third of those gorillas, which reside in the dense forests on the lush slopes of the Virunga volcanoes. The great volcanoes of this range, clothed in cloud forests, include the dormant Mikeno, Karisimbi, Visoke, and Sabinio (Sabinyo), as well as the active Nyiragongo and Nyamulagira. [45][54], Virunga National Park together with the adjacent Queen Elizabeth National Park forms a "Lion Conservation Unit". Learn more about Dodo Bahati, a project supporting anti-poaching efforts in Virunga National Park. Mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) are a subspecies of the critically endangered eastern gorilla, and there are believed to be just over 1,000 remaining. Two active volcanoes are located in the park, Mount Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira. It reopened in February 2019. national park, Democratic Republic of the Congo. [41][42], On 22 February 2021, Italy's ambassador to the DRC who was travelling with the World Food Programme about 15km north of Goma, Luca Attanasio, as well as Italian military police officer Vittorio Iacovacci and Congolese driver Moustapha Milambo, were killed in the gunfire when a militia that had kidnapped their convoy, and had brought them into the park, was met by park rangers who managed to free four people. app@africageographic.com Others include Karisimbi - the highest at 4,507m, Bisoke and Sabyinyo in Rwanda, Gahinga and Muhabura in Uganda and Mikemo in DRC. 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The okapi is the closest known relative to the giraffe and looks very much as though someone crossed a zebra, antelope, and giraffe. In addition to buffalo, the plains support several ungulates, including topi, Ugandan kob, waterbuck, warthog, and red river and giant forest hog. March to mid May and September to November are the main rainy seasons. Corrections? Description of the Virunga Mountains The okapi is the closest known relative to the giraffe and looks very much as though someone crossed a zebra, antelope, and giraffe. Hippo numbers increase to over 2000 for the first time in 20 years. Virunga Mountains in Congo - Virunga National Park Congo 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. 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). Only 629 hippos remain in the Park, a 98% decrease from the 30,000 of the 1960s and 1970s. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. This articles lists and explains more about the . The mountain range is said to be a part of the Albertine Rift located in the Great Rift Valley. Explore one of the most biodiverse protected areas in the world. Want to go on a safari to Virunga? There are a couple of different lodges scattered throughout the park, and the choice of activity (gorilla treks, Lava treks up Nyiragongo, game drives and so on) will determine the best place to stay. [19], In 1934, the Institut des Parcs Nationaux du Congo Belge was founded as the governing body for national parks in the Belgian Congo. As might be expected in a park that encompasses such a large variety of habitats, the birding can be described as extraordinary. 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 Virunga Mountains : 8 Related Volcanoes. Baumas love for his primate family endeared him to the audiences of the Oscar-nominated film, Virunga. As a consequence, the park remained closed to visitors from June 2018[38] until February 2019. In April, in an effort to end the war, a peace agreement is signed by government and rebel forces. Carefully selected conservation projects one-stop, seamless, transparent donations APP subscribers only. 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). However, this is no idle volcano. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. Virunga Mountain Hiking [26] 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 oldest mountain is Mount Sabyinyo, which rises 3,634 metres (11,923ft) above sea level. Getting to the summit of these mountains takes an average of 5 . The northern sector receives a monthly mean precipitation of up to 220mm (8.7in), and the southern sector of up to 160mm (6.3in). [43], Virunga National Park is located in the Congo Nile watershed area. Following the Rwandan genocide, thousands of refugees fled to the Kivu region, and the presence of military increased. The mountain gorilla is taken off the IUCN critically endangered species list, marking a victory for Congolese, Rwandan and Ugandan National Parks. It is also a vital elephant habitat, as evidenced by the unexpected migration of, nearly 600 elephants from neighbouring Queen Elizabeth. Nyamuragira volcano, situated around 15 miles (25 kilometers) north of Lake Kivu, has been described as one of Africas most active volcanoes. 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 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. Oil exploration by an English company only added to threats facing the already beleaguered park. 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. It was created in 1925. Virunga National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The range runs east-west, perpendicular to the rift valley in which lie Lakes Kivu and Edward. The park is home to abundant wildlife, including elephants, whose numbers began decreasing in the late 20th century, and lions, which also face various threats. 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. 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. [7] About 850,000 refugees lived around the national park in 1994. [39], In April 2020 at least 12 park rangers were killed by militia men attacking a civilian convoy. [50] Virunga National Park - UNESCO World Heritage Centre Much of the parks central region is occupied by Lake Edward. 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. [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. 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 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. The Parks governance structure is strengthened, and newly appointed staff negotiate access to the gorilla sector despite it being controlled by rebels. The mountain range consists of eight major volcanoes. Learn more about the history of Virunga National Park by exploring the timeline below. (UK) +44 (23) 9387-7464 The main crater of Nyiragongo is about three-quarters of a mile (1.2 km) across and contains a liquid lava pool. Both savanna and forest buffalo are found in the park and can be found roaming the Rwindi plains in the Parks Central Sector. Virunga Mountain ranges consists of Unique and finest wildlife attractions of Africa which ranges from the; north Western Rwanda covering Volcanoes National park, Eastern side is Congo covering a fraction of Virunga National Park, and South Western Uganda covering Mgahinga National park. 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. Virunga Mountains in Congo were formed as a result of volcanic activity from the past. [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 Virunga Mountains lie between Lakes Kivu and Edward and extend into Rwanda and Uganda. Together with Queen Elizabeth National Park, Virunga is considered by the IUCN to be a Lion Conservation Unit. Farther north are the Rutshuru Falls and the Mai ya Moto sulfur springs. [37] In May 2018, a ranger was killed when defending two tourists who were kidnapped. On several occasions a lava stream reached the shores of Lake Kivu. Most visitors opt to rotate through the different options. Click here to learn more about the work of the Virunga Alliance. 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. Mean monthly rainfall in the savanna around Lake Edward is 3040mm (1.21.6in); this is the driest part of the landscape. Of its eight major volcanic peaks, the highest is Karisimbi, at 14,787 feet (4,507 metres). 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 one of the five UNESCO protected areas that fall under the jurisdiction of the ICCN. The 8 Virunga Volcano Mountains 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. Some of the Ruwenzori Mountains are permanently snow-capped, and glaciers exist at high elevations. On any given day, its shores abound with hippos, elephants, crocodiles, and chimpanzees. The Virunga Mountains | Congo Safari Tours | Explore Congo [55] The area is considered a potential lion (Panthera leo) stronghold, if poaching is curbed and prey species recover. Visitors who brave the climb to the summit of Mt. The Foundation holds the management contract for the Park, which requires it to restore and manage the national park with ICCN. The Virunga Mountains (also known as Mufumbiro[1]) are a chain of volcanoes in East Africa, along the northern border of Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Uganda. African alpine bamboo (Yushania alpina) grows at altitudes of 2,3002,600m (7,5008,500ft). Nyiragongo has erupted over thirty times since the end of the 19th century. Like humans, chimps communicate with facial expressions, gestures, and sounds. Many lesser cones flank the major volcanoes. Nyiragongos summit rim is largely devoid of vegetation and is sometimes dusted with snow. 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. 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). [47] Poachers murder four mountain gorillas, making this the first time in 10 years that a mountain gorilla had been poached within Park borders. 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. The Virunga Mountains, located in the northwest part of Rwanda, contain the country's highest peak, Karisimbi, which reaches nearly 15,000 feet. Adult African fish eagles have mostly brown bodies with a white head and yellow face and large, powerful, black wings. To the northeast the Ruwenzori Range soars to more than 16,000 feet (4,880 metres). 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. It includes the Rwindi plains and the Ishasha River valley, and is contiguous with Ugandas Queen Elizabeth National Park to the east. Facts About Virunga Mountains | Mount Nyiragongo | Volcanoes Park Key Information. 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. [54] Senecio and Lobelia species grow on vast clearings and attain heights of up to 8m (26ft). African fish eagles are birds of prey that live in the waterways of sub-Saharan Africa. In 1969, following the countrys independence from Belgium in 1960, the Park was renamed Virunga National Park. 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. Furthermore, a substantial number of these are Albertine Rift and Congolese endemics. The Rwenzori Mountains National Park covers nearly 100,000 ha in western Uganda and comprises the main part of the Rwenzori mountain chain, which includes Africa's third highest peak (Mount Margherita: 5,109 m). The central sector is based around Lake Edward, the Ishasha river valley and the Rwindi plains. [5], Primates present in the national park include mountain gorilla (G. b. beringei), common chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes), golden monkey, red-tailed monkey (Cercopithecus ascanius), Dent's mona monkey (C. denti), blue monkey (C. mitis), Hamlyn's monkey (C. hamlyni), De Brazza's monkey (C. neglectus), Central African red colobus (Procolobus foai), mantled guereza (Colobus guereza), olive baboon (Papio anubis) and grey-cheeked mangabey (Lophocebus albigena). 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. Notable species include the prehistoric-looking shoebills, dashing Rwenzori turacos, mind-blowingly cryptic African green broadbills, and bizarre red-collared mountain babblers whose closest relative forages the slopes of Mt Jupe in Cameroon. 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. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Together with Queen Elizabeth National Park, Virunga is considered by the IUCN to be a Lion Conservation Unit. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. 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. 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. There is something about the familiarity of their facial expressions, their familial bonds and the calm, contained power that makes gorilla trekking unlike any conventional animal encounter. 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". East African mountains | mountains, East Africa | Britannica We rely on Global Rescue to assist our clients. 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. [2], In 2011, the British company Soco International was granted a concession for extracting crude oil in the surroundings of and in large parts of the national park. 400,000 people are evacuated and 147 are killed in the eruption. The increased human population contributed to deforestation and poaching, and some natural animal migration patterns have been seriously disrupted. The southern sector of Congos Virunga National Park includes those portions of the mountains that are within Congo; the southern flanks of the central and eastern mountains comprise Volcanoes National Park in northwestern Rwanda; and Gorilla National Park includes the Ugandan slopes of Mgahinga.
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