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The parks southern tip rests on the northern shore of Lake Kivu, a short distance from the town of Goma to the east. These mountains are part of the Great Rift Valley. 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 largest herd of elephants over 500 - since the 1980's are observed in the Ishasha corridor of Virunga. Updates? The M23 Rebellion erupts in and around the Park. The Virunga Mountains rise out of densely populated plateaus that are inhabited mostly by Rwandan cultivators and, in certain areas, by cattle herders. It includes a lush landscape that ranges from the Semliki River Valley to the Rwenzori Mountains, Mount Nyiragongo, and Nyamuragira. 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. Explore one of the most biodiverse protected areas in the world. It was created in 1925. They have significantly shaped the national park's diverse habitats and wildlife. Geography of Rwanda - Wikipedia Naturally, the park authorities are aware of this, and they take the safety of their guests extremely seriously. 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. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. [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. The Rwandan genocide causes nearly two million refugees to flee the country. [14][15][16][17] Indigenous people lost their traditional land rights in this process, and were evicted from the protected area. The Virunga Mountains | Congo Safari Tours | Explore Congo Virunga National Park is a national park in the Albertine Rift Valley in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The main crater of Nyiragongo is about three-quarters of a mile (1.2 km) across and contains a liquid lava pool. 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. Nyiragongo has erupted over thirty times since the end of the 19th century. Fortunately, stalwart sightseers can rest assured that the volcanos moods are carefully monitored lest it decides to let loose its fury of molten lava. [26] Park personnel are given paramilitary training and high-quality weaponry, and operate together with the military and state security services. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. The ICCN and Virunga Foundation enter into a long term management agreement. 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. Lake Edward is a vital resource for local fishermen. Regional conflict spills over and an estimated 5.6 million Congolese die from the fighting. 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 region's glaciers, waterfalls and lakes make it one of Africa's most beautiful alpine areas. This powerful image of the silverback Senkwekwe brought global attention to this horrific event. 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. [55] The area is considered a potential lion (Panthera leo) stronghold, if poaching is curbed and prey species recover. 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. Harnessed bushbuck (T. scriptus) and giant forest hog (Hylochoerus meinertzhageni) are present in the southern sector. Senecio and Lobelia species grow on vast clearings and attain heights of up to 8m (26ft). 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. The name Virunga (Volcanoes), probably of Swahili derivation, has prevailed over the earlier Mufumbiro (That Which Cooks), which is still used in Uganda. [46] In direct response to the massacres, the Senkwekwe Centre is established to care for the orphans of the massacre. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. [10][11] To improve the country's economic situation the government undermined that very protection by auctioning oil exploration blocks inside the park by the end of July 2022. Want to go on a safari to Virunga? In addition to buffalo, the plains support several ungulates, including topi, Ugandan kob, waterbuck, warthog, and red river and giant forest hog. 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. [39], In April 2020 at least 12 park rangers were killed by militia men attacking a civilian convoy. Both savanna and forest buffalo are found in the park and can be found roaming the Rwindi plains in the Parks Central Sector. The 8 Virunga Volcano Mountains Illegal hunting inside protected areas increased. The vegetation above 2,600m (8,500ft) is subalpine with foremost African redwood (Hagenia abyssinica) growing up to 3,000m (9,800ft). Park protection efforts were militarised in the following years to deter armed rebel groups and poachers from operating inside the park. The Virunga Mountains lie between Lakes Kivu and Edward and extend into Rwanda and Uganda. [3][47] Networking & debating APP subscribers only, TRUSTED CONSERVATION PROJECTS The local community has developed negative feeling towards park personnel and the military. 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. Seven mountain gorillas from the Rugendo family are murdered. However, this is no idle volcano. As a consequence, the park remained closed to visitors from June 2018[38] until February 2019. The Virunga Mountains and their associated lava flows extend across the Western Rift Valley. To the northeast the Ruwenzori Range soars to more than 16,000 feet (4,880 metres). March to mid May and September to November are the main rainy seasons. They are situated in the same region at the borders of the three countries. This sight is at its most impressive at night, so most opt to camp on the rim of the crater. The rapid population surge causes environmental damage, and Virungas Rangers struggle to protect the forests. Shoebills prefer to hunt in poorly oxygenated and shallow waters where fish are closer to the surface, using their razor sharp beaks to catch their prey. The Karisoke Research Center, founded by Dian Fossey to observe gorillas in their native habitat, is located between Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke. 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. The increased human population contributed to deforestation and poaching, and some natural animal migration patterns have been seriously disrupted. 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. and wallow in the various rivers, and bongo antelope have been spotted in the parks northern reaches. Not more than 20,000 years ago Nyiragongo and Nyamulagira emerged at the western end of the chain, both with extensive craters. Virunga National Park is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and receives an average of 6,500 visitors per year. 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. 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. Virunga National Park is one of the five UNESCO protected areas that fall under the jurisdiction of the ICCN. Fortunately, stalwart sightseers can rest assured that the volcanos moods are carefully monitored lest it decides to let loose its fury of molten lava. It is also a vital elephant habitat, as evidenced by the unexpected migration of, nearly 600 elephants from neighbouring Queen Elizabeth. The lava field of these two volcanoes has remained active, with notable eruptions occurring in 1912, 1938, 1948, the 1970s, and 2002. Their ambitious peace-building program aims to create 100,000 jobs, providing young Congolese with viable alternatives to conflict-related activities. It spans across the three countries; via the North West Rwanda covering Volcanoes National Park, south western Uganda encompassing Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and eastern Congo forming part of Virunga National Park. Of its eight major volcanic peaks, the highest is Karisimbi, at 14,787 feet (4,507 metres). 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. [2], In 1996, the national park was listed as a Ramsar site of international importance. Virunga National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo. During the 2002 eruption, some of Nyiragongos lava flows were clocked at 62 miles per hour (100 kilometers per hour) and reached all the way to Lake Kivu. Virunga mountains in DR Congo It is founded primarily to protect the mountain gorillas living in the forests of the Virunga Massif. 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. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. Chimpanzees are an endangered species and one of the four species of great apes. Sabyinyo volcano, located on the border of Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo in the Virunga Mountains, is simply incredible! The first maps resulted from the major expedition of Adolf Friedrich, duke of Mecklenburg, which was undertaken in 190708. Safaris, discussions & donations that make a real difference in 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 . Two major African rivers, the Nile and the. One of Africas most spectacular protected areas. Virunga owes its existence, at least in part, to the presence of the endangered (once critically endangered) mountain gorillas. Most visitors access the park via Rwanda and pass through the border at Goma. Together with Queen Elizabeth National Park, Virunga is considered by the IUCN to be a Lion Conservation Unit. Virunga Mountain Hiking 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. VN QUC GIA CONGO Ting anh l g - trong Ting anh Dch It is an extraordinary park steeped in a history of tragedy and heroism: primordial and viscerally wild. Every family comes with its dynamics, characters and stories, and the rangers have kept track of it all you can read more about their histories and present breakdown here. Mount Nyiragongo in Virunga National Park is one . Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. They are located between Lake Edward and Lake Kivu. (RSA) +27 (87) 551-8105 The oldest national park in Africa, Virunga National Park covers nearly 8,000km2 (800,000 hectares) an area roughly three times the size of Luxembourg. [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. Mount Nyiragongo is 3,470 meters, Mount Nyamuragira is 3,058 meters and Mount Mikeno is 4,437 meters. 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. Where Are The Virunga Mountains Located - 2022 The Park is founded as Parc Albert, the first national park to be established on the African continent. 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. 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. Andre Bauma is the manager of the Senkwekwe Center and heads up the team of dedicated carers responsible for looking after the Center's orphaned mountain gorillas. [18] In 1969, the two parks were merged under the name Virunga National Park, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. Virunga National Park - Africa Geographic 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. The grey crowned crane can be found in the wetlands, open grasslands, savannas, and cultivated areas and tropical lowland forests near the Ishasha River and Rwindi River. Shoebills can be found in the swamps and marshes of Virungas Central Sector near Lake Edward, the Ishasha River, and the Rwindi River. 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. The southern sector stretches to the shores of Lake Kivu and encompasses Nyamulagira, Nyiragongo and Mikeno volcanoes with montane forests on their slopes. African fish eagles are birds of prey that live in the waterways of sub-Saharan Africa. 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. 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). 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 . In the course of increasing tensions, the park's chief warden, Emmanuel de Mrode, was assailed in April 2014. 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. Virunga National Park is one such park, still tumbling in the currents of war, political instability, poverty, and disease. Today, they are probably the parks most famous residents. [54] Lions are carnivores that consume a wide variety of prey, from wildebeest, impala, zebra, giraffe, buffalo and wild hogs to the occasional rhino, hippo, or elephant when food is scarce. Nyiragongo has erupted over thirty times since the end of the 19. century. Virunga National Park (covering an area of 790,000 ha) comprises an outstanding diversity of habitats, ranging from swamps and steppes to the snowfields of Rwenzori at an altitude of over 5,000 m, and from lava plains to the savannahs on the slopes of volcanoes.