Its initial size of 2,920.98km2 (1,127.80sqmi) was enlarged step by step in subsequent years. 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. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. [5] [43], Virunga National Park is located in the Congo Nile watershed area. Omissions? Created in 1925, it has an area of some 3,050 square miles (7,900 square km) and contains a vast diversity of habitats. 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. January 17, Nyiragongo volcano erupts spreading lava through the city of Goma. 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. 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. Illegal hunting inside protected areas increased. Virunga is an English derived word from its origin word "ibirunga" (comes . The mountain range is a branch of the Albertine Rift Mountains, which border the western branch of the East African Rift. (UK) +44 (23) 9387-7464 Virunga National Park is located in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, within the Albertine Rift Valley. This variation is determined by a number of factors such as the soil type, soil depth, animals and invertebrates in the area, and minerals within the soil. The Virunga Mountains that mark the southern sector of the park consist of eight major volcanoes, most of which are dormant. The camps of various armed factions are dismantled in the Central Sector of the Park. Updates? [13], In the early 1920s, several proponents of the European conservation movement championed the idea of creating a protected area in northeastern Belgian Congo, among them Victor van Straelen, Jean Massart and Jean-Marie Derscheid. Virunga National Park | Overview, Location, History, & Facts Here dedicated keepers have raised the young survivors of anthropogenic cruelty (poaching and snaring), as well as rehabilitating eastern lowland gorillas. The 2008 partnership between the Congolese National Parks Authority (ICCN) and the Virunga Foundation marked a turning point in the parks history. 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). The ICCN and Virunga Foundation enter into a long term management agreement. 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. Farther north are the Rutshuru Falls and the Mai ya Moto sulfur springs. 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. The 8 Virunga Volcano Mountains/Virunga Massif in Africa 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. The most visited section is the southern sector, dominated by dense montane forests home to a vital population of Africas remaining mountain gorillas. The Viringa Mountains are composed of up to 8 Volcanic summits including two active volcanoes of Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira located in DRC in Virunga National Park. 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. 400,000 people are evacuated and 147 are killed in the eruption. Virunga is the continents most biologically diverse protected area and a national park embarking on an ambitious development programme known as the Virunga Alliance. 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. Elevations, climates, and habitats vary notably in Virunga National Park. 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. [25], Land laws were reformed in the 1960s after Belgian Congo became independent as the Republic of the Congo, and the land declared property of the state, much to the disadvantage of local people. 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. Regional conflict spills over and an estimated 5.6 million Congolese die from the fighting. The Parks governance structure is strengthened, and newly appointed staff negotiate access to the gorilla sector despite it being controlled by rebels. Eastern Congo is one of the most economically disadvantaged places on earth, and competition for the Parks rich natural resources has always been fierce. Virunga National Park - UNESCO World Heritage Centre Like humans, chimps communicate with facial expressions, gestures, and sounds. 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. 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 vegetation above 2,600m (8,500ft) is subalpine with foremost African redwood (Hagenia abyssinica) growing up to 3,000m (9,800ft). 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 mountains, Volcanoe ranges - African Birding Trips (RSA) +27 (87) 551-8105 [33], In 2005, the European Commission (EC) recommended a public-private partnership between the country's government and the British non-governmental organisation African Conservation Fund. [51][52][53] Other ungulates present include Ugandan kob (Kobus kob thomasi), waterbuck (K. ellipsiprymnus), andcommon warthog (Phacochoerus africanus). Located on the border between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Rwenzoris, or Mountains of the Moon, are the third highest mountain chain in Africa. Today, they are probably the parks most famous residents. However, another creature is arguably Virungas (and Africas) most peculiar offering. Discounts at Africas best lodges and on our hand-made packages subscribers only, STORIES & DISCUSSIONS It is . Tullow Oil Plc, TotalEnergies, ENI and China National Offshore Oil Corporation Ltd (CNOOC) were interested in acquiring drilling permissions. He even attended the Oscars ceremony in Los Angeles. 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. It is headed by Andr Bauma, a man who has become almost as famous as his gorilla charges. 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. Though there are innumerable reasons to want to visit Virunga National Park, the potential insecurity in the region is of concern to many prospective visitors. 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. 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. To the northeast the Ruwenzori Range soars to more than 16,000 feet (4,880 metres). Senecio and Lobelia species grow on vast clearings and attain heights of up to 8m (26ft). The word Virunga is and English word derived from Kinyarwanda word "Ibirunga" to meat "Mountains" The Virunga Mountains lie between Lakes Kivu and Edward and extend into Rwanda and Uganda. This sight is at its most impressive at night, so most opt to camp on the rim of the crater. 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. 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. Harnessed bushbuck (T. scriptus) and giant forest hog (Hylochoerus meinertzhageni) are present in the southern sector. Lake Edward is a vital resource for local fishermen. Learn more about the history of Virunga National Park by exploring the timeline below. Nyiragongos summit rim is largely devoid of vegetation and is sometimes dusted with snow. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. 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. 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. They consume mainly fish but have been known to consume carrion, birds, monkeys and even crocodile hatchlings when prey is scarce. The mountain gorilla is taken off the IUCN critically endangered species list, marking a victory for Congolese, Rwandan and Ugandan National Parks. Fuelled by subsistence and profit-driven poaching, rebel groups launch attacks on patrol posts in the Northern Sector of the Park. 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. Furthermore, a substantial number of these are Albertine Rift and Congolese endemics. Hiking the Sabyinyo volcano takes approximately 7 to 9 hours. 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. The name Virunga comes from the Kinyarwanda word ibirunga, which means volcanoes. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. [2], The northern sector of Virunga National Park is contiguous with Uganda's Semuliki park, the Rwenzori Mountains National Park, and the central sector with Queen Elizabeth National Park. Only 629 hippos remain in the Park, a 98% decrease from the 30,000 of the 1960s and 1970s. 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. Virunga National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. 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. Virunga is the only site on earth to have three types of great apes the mountain gorilla, eastern lowland gorilla, and eastern chimpanzee. After stringent health protocols (to avoid passing human pathogens to the immunologically nave gorillas) and a trek through thick vegetation, small groups of visitors are afforded the life-changing opportunity to spend an hour in the company of these gentle giants. The central sector is centred around the banks of Lake Edward. Following the Rwandan genocide, thousands of refugees fled to the Kivu region, and the presence of military increased. East African mountains | mountains, East Africa | Britannica Some biologists even believe that a fifth subspecies, called the mountain or Virunga buffalo, should be recognised. To find lodges, search for our ready-made packages or get in touch with our travel team, scroll down to after this story. 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 park is periodically closed when they feel that the situation on the ground is such that security cannot be guaranteed. [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. Habituation is a critical component of gorilla conservation, as it allows for detailed research to be undertaken on the species. [47] 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. The mountain range is a branch of the Albertine Rift Mountains, which border the western branch of the East African Rift. Geography of Rwanda - Wikipedia

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