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[50], The Semliki River provides habitat for Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus). Mount Nyiragongo in Virunga National Park is one . At 14,557 feet (4,437 meters) Mount Mikeno is the second highest peak in the Virunga mountains and the 13th highest mountain of Africa. 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. Virunga National Park is located in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, within the Albertine Rift Valley. 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. Nyiragongo has erupted over thirty times since the end of the 19. century. Virunga National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo. 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. A land of unparalleled biodiversity and exceptional beauty, bursting with life of every form. Albertine Rift - Wikipedia The lava field of these two volcanoes has remained active, with notable eruptions occurring in 1912, 1938, 1948, the 1970s, and 2002. [43], Virunga National Park is located in the Congo Nile watershed area. The Virunga Mountains | Congo Safari Tours | Explore Congo The Virunga Mountains lie between Lakes Kivu and Edward and extend into Rwanda and Uganda. 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. 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. 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. Virunga owes its existence, at least in part, to the presence of the endangered (, . Hiking the Sabyinyo volcano takes approximately 7 to 9 hours. Take a Thrilling Adventure in Uganda Hiking the Sabyinyo Volcano Nyamuragira volcano, situated around 15 miles (25 kilometers) north of Lake Kivu, has been described as one of Africas most active volcanoes. Harnessed bushbuck (T. scriptus) and giant forest hog (Hylochoerus meinertzhageni) are present in the southern sector. 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. 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. The crater of Muhavura contains a small lake. [34], Five rangers were killed in August 2017 near Lake Edward in a militia attack. and wallow in the various rivers, and bongo antelope have been spotted in the parks northern reaches. Mountain gorillas aside, Virungas great ape collection also includes eastern lowland gorillas (Grauers gorillas Gorilla beringei graueri) and chimpanzees. Five rangers and a driver were killed in April 2018. Following international protests, the company stopped exploring activities and consented to refrain from starting similar operations in the vicinity of World Heritage sites. 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. 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. However, extraordinary doesnt even begin to cover it. It includes the Rwindi plains and the Ishasha River valley, and is contiguous with Ugandas Queen Elizabeth National Park to the east. [47] [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. [5][21][49][50], African bush elephant (Loxodonta africana), hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) and African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) inhabit the national park's central sector. [44] Which mountain in Uganda has snow? - 2023 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 in Volcanoes Park. 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 central sector is based around Lake Edward, the Ishasha river valley and the Rwindi plains. These savannas and woodlands contain many different types of grasses and trees. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Discounts at Africas best lodges and on our hand-made packages subscribers only, STORIES & DISCUSSIONS This picturesque part of the park adjoins the Rwenzori Mountains and Semuliki National Parks in neighbouring Uganda. Virunga National Park, formerly Albert National Park, park in northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (Kinshasa). [39], In April 2020 at least 12 park rangers were killed by militia men attacking a civilian convoy. To comment on this story: Download our app here - it's a troll-free safe place . It was created in 1925. Mount Nyiragongo is 3,470 meters, Mount Nyamuragira is 3,058 meters and Mount Mikeno is 4,437 meters. The largest herd of elephants over 500 - since the 1980's are observed in the Ishasha corridor of Virunga. To find lodges, search for our ready-made packages or get in touch with our travel team, scroll down to after this story. Two active volcanoes are located in the park, Mount Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira. 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. Only one mountain of the 8 is an active volcano that is Mount Nyiragongo found in DRCongo. Illegal hunting inside protected areas increased. Virunga is an English derived word from its origin word "ibirunga" (comes . The park is periodically closed when they feel that the situation on the ground is such that security cannot be guaranteed. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. The park is also home to a diverse array of fauna and flora, including over 200 mammal species and a third of the worlds remaining mountain gorillas. [61][62] Ndakasi, a gorilla from the park, was featured in a few television series and movies, including the Netflix documentary.[63]. [3][47] editors@africageographic.com The 2008 partnership between the Congolese National Parks Authority (ICCN) and the Virunga Foundation marked a turning point in the parks history. The great blue turaco is the largest member of the turaco family. The Virunga Mountains rise out of densely populated plateaus that are inhabited mostly by Rwandan cultivators and, in certain areas, by cattle herders. Around one third of the world population of critically endangered mountain gorillas live in the lush volcanic forests of Virunga National Park. 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. Visitors who brave the climb to the summit of Mt. Mountain gorillas (, ) are a subspecies of the critically endangered eastern gorilla, and there are believed to be just over 1,000 remaining. 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 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. 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. There are an estimated 30,000 individuals left in the wild. 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. Even the air is redolent with the scent of rich soil, and intrepid visitors find themselves besieged by butterflies and ebrious with delight at the natural life on show. Geography of Rwanda. Virunga National Park - Africa Geographic 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. 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. One of Africas most spectacular protected areas. The northern sector is characterised by the dramatic Rwenzori Mountains, with sharp peaks and plunging valleys that descend to the Semuliki River valley. Virunga National Park is one of the five UNESCO protected areas that fall under the jurisdiction of the ICCN. Farther north are the Rutshuru Falls and the Mai ya Moto sulfur springs. However, taking one taxing step at a time has paid off. Only 629 hippos remain in the Park, a 98% decrease from the 30,000 of the 1960s and 1970s. 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. Like humans, chimps communicate with facial expressions, gestures, and sounds. The Virunga Mountains, located in the northwest part of Rwanda, contain the country's highest peak, Karisimbi, which reaches nearly 15,000 feet. 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. Key Information. [45][54], Virunga National Park together with the adjacent Queen Elizabeth National Park forms a "Lion Conservation Unit". [8] They were subsequently released unharmed. In direct response to the massacres, the Senkwekwe Centre is established to care for the orphans of the massacre. 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. Together with Queen Elizabeth National Park, Virunga is considered by the IUCN to be a Lion Conservation Unit. Naturally, the park authorities are aware of this, and they take the safety of their guests extremely seriously. Of these, nine gorilla families have been carefully habituated over the last thirty years. Both state security services and such groups also resort to armed robberies and kidnapping for income. 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 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. 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 increased human population contributed to deforestation and poaching, and some natural animal migration patterns have been seriously disrupted. [18] In 1969, the two parks were merged under the name Virunga National Park, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. 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. [12] Local and global groups, such as Greenpeace, are warning about the social and ecological impact of devastating the forest for oil production. 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. Mount Karisimbi is the highest volcano at 4,507 metres (14,787ft). 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. Some of the Ruwenzori Mountains are permanently snow-capped, and glaciers exist at high elevations. 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 Mountains 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 . Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda Parc National Des Volcans Guide The okapi is the closest known relative to the giraffe and looks very much as though someone crossed a zebra, antelope, and giraffe. chat to the Africa Geographic travel team, Photographer of the Year 2023 Weekly Selection: Week 11. In this near-forgotten corner of Africa, adventurers, soul-seekers, and naturalists will find an electrifying celebration of life at its most raw a kaleidoscope of natures wonders and a living history of human and wild resilience. The northern sector receives a monthly mean precipitation of up to 220mm (8.7in), and the southern sector of up to 160mm (6.3in). [16][18] Between the late 1930s and 1955, an estimated 85,000 Rwandophone people were moved to nearby Masisi in North Kivu. It is also a vital elephant habitat, as evidenced by the unexpected migration of, nearly 600 elephants from neighbouring Queen Elizabeth. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. The national park's central sector encompasses about two thirds of Lake Edward up to the international border with Uganda in the east. 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 . The parks southern tip rests on the northern shore of Lake Kivu, a short distance from the town of Goma to the east. 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. The world population of mountain gorillas is currently estimated to be at around 1000 individuals. Where Are The Virunga Mountains Located - 2022 Networking & debating APP subscribers only, TRUSTED CONSERVATION PROJECTS Oil exploration by an English company only added to threats facing the already beleaguered park. 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. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. The Foundation holds the management contract for the Park, which requires it to restore and manage the national park with ICCN. [2] It covers an area of 8,090km2 (3,120sqmi). Farther north are the Rutshuru Falls and the Mai ya Moto sulfur springs. The ICCN (Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature). 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 ICCN (Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature) is the branch of the Congolese government tasked with the protection and conservation of protected areas in the DRC. Some biologists even believe that a fifth subspecies, called the mountain or Virunga buffalo, should be recognised. [31], Since the early 1990s, the protected area was impacted by political turmoil in the African Great Lakes region. The range lies between the Lake Kivu and Lake Edward, and is an extension of the Albertine Rift Mountains. The most visited section is the southern sector, dominated by dense montane forests home to a vital population of Africas remaining mountain gorillas. Here, Virunga reaches Lake Kivu and borders Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda. The region's glaciers, waterfalls and lakes make it one of Africa's most beautiful alpine areas. The name "Virunga" is an English version of the Kinyarwanda word ibirunga, which means "volcanoes". 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. Updates? The Virunga Mountains also popularly known as the Virunga Volcanoes range are a chain of eight volcanoes created by violent eruptions in the Albertine Rift region. Important Facts About the Virunga Mountains in East Africa 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. 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. Virunga Mountains in Congo were formed as a result of volcanic activity from the past. [32] In 1994, Virunga National Park was entered into the List of World Heritage in Danger. 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 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. The Centre is the only one of its kind in the world. However, taking one taxing step at a time has paid off. 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 . The Virunga Mountains: 8 Related Volcanoes - Uganda Safaris The local community has developed negative feeling towards park personnel and the military. Okapis are endangered, and there are probably only a few thousand remaining. 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. The Virungas form a barrier between the Nile Basin to the north and east and the Congo Basin to the west and south. Habituation is a critical component of gorilla conservation, as it allows for detailed research to be undertaken on the species. [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. Updates? Alongside this essential conservation work, the Park is committed to supporting local communities. La Fondation Virunga Belgique was incorporated in 2015 to support Virunga National Park through fundraising and public outreach. Campaigners trying to create public awareness are threatened and intimidated on social media. 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. [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. VN QUC GIA CONGO Ting anh l g - trong Ting anh Dch The Virunga Mountains and their associated lava flows extend across the Western Rift Valley. 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. 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. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. As anyone who has ever spent time with gorillas will tell you, it is an experience that defies words and borders on sacred. The slopes of Mount Mikeno play host to a number of Virungas critically endangered mountain gorilla families. Virunga National Park is one such park, still tumbling in the currents of war, political instability, poverty, and disease. Some biologists even believe that a fifth subspecies, called the mountain or Virunga buffalo, should be recognised. 400,000 people are evacuated and 147 are killed in the eruption. [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 2008 partnership between the Congolese National Parks Authority (ICCN) and the Virunga Foundation marked a turning point in the parks history. 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. Two major African rivers, the Nile and the. Description of the Virunga Mountains The Virunga Mountain in Rwanda, Congo and Uganda The Virunga volcanoes /mountains also locally known as Mufumbiro are located in three countries Uganda, Rwanda and DRCongo. The Parks visitor accommodation at Mikeno Lodge welcomes new guests seeking to visit Virunga. Safaris, discussions & donations that make a real difference in Africa. Virunga owes its existence, at least in part, to the presence of the endangered (once critically endangered) mountain gorillas. They are situated in the same region at the borders of the three countries. It is . [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 human population there, which was negligible when the park was established, increased considerably during the late 20th century. Modern access to the western volcanoes is from Goma and Gisenyi (Rwanda); the remaining mountains are located within the circuit of roads connecting Goma and Rutshuru (Congo), Kisoro (Uganda), and Ruhengeri and Gisenyi (Rwanda). 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. Together, these three protected areas form the core of the Greater Virunga Ecosystem. The First and Second Congo Wars further destabilised the region. 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). Mount Mikeno is an extinct volcano located in the Virunga Mountains. Following the Rwandan genocide, thousands of refugees fled to the Kivu region, and the presence of military increased. 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. Here dedicated keepers have raised the young survivors of anthropogenic cruelty (poaching and snaring), as well as rehabilitating eastern lowland gorillas. Virunga mountains, Volcanoe ranges - African Birding Trips Virunga Mountains: the virunga mountain ranges mountain Virunga is the only site on earth to have three types of great apes the mountain gorilla, eastern lowland gorilla, and eastern chimpanzee. [6] It has been listed in the List of World Heritage in Danger since 1994 because of civil unrest and the increase of human presence in the region. 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. 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. [2], In 1996, the national park was listed as a Ramsar site of international importance. Anti-poaching patrols inside the park were obstructed, and park personnel and wildlife were killed. Average temperatures in lower altitudes vary from 2328C (7382F), and in higher altitudes from 1624C (6175F), rarely dropping below 14C (57F).

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