where are the virunga mountains located
[8] They were subsequently released unharmed. 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. Many lesser cones flank the major volcanoes. The Virunga Mountains in Volcanoes Park. Focussing on three key areas: hydropower, sustainable agriculture and fisheries, and tourism, Virunga National Park is working to economically transform the region creating jobs and reducing poverty rates. Two active volcanoes are located in the park, Mount Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira. They eat mostly fruit, but also feed on buds, shoots, leaves, flowers, and insects. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. 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. With a checklist of 706 different species, there are more birds in Virunga than in the entire United States of America. 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. 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. The increased human population contributed to deforestation and poaching, and some natural animal migration patterns have been seriously disrupted. The female, with a wingspan of up to 8 feet (2.4 meters), is larger than the male. 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. [14][15][16][17] Indigenous people lost their traditional land rights in this process, and were evicted from the protected area. 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. The park also encompasses savannas, peat bogs, marshes, lava plains, eastern steppe vegetation, and various types of forests, including tropical rainforest and bamboo. 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. This powerful image of the silverback Senkwekwe brought global attention to this horrific event. (US) +1 (786) 655-4040, *Call costs: Local rates apply from South Africa, UK and US otherwise international rates apply, newsletter@africageographic.com Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). While many of the gorillas sensibly prefer to reside on the slopes of the dormant Mikeno volcano, the southern section is also the location of the two active volcanoes in the park Mount Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira. This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/place/Virunga-Mountains, Virunga Mountains - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11), Virunga Mountains - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up). 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). 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. Corrections? All travel bookings booked via Trust my Travel are financially protected by them. However, taking one taxing step at a time has paid off. 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. [14] 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. [26] Park personnel are given paramilitary training and high-quality weaponry, and operate together with the military and state security services. 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. 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. Following the Rwandan genocide, thousands of refugees fled to the Kivu region, and the presence of military increased. [51][52][53] Other ungulates present include Ugandan kob (Kobus kob thomasi), waterbuck (K. ellipsiprymnus), andcommon warthog (Phacochoerus africanus). [32] Several armed rebel groups operate in the park, including Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda and National Congress for the Defence of the People (FDLR). 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. 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. [8][9], There have been plans to drill for oil in the Congo Basin since the 2000s. The Virunga Mountains are 8 famously known mountain ranges that lie on the northern border of Rwanda and Congo and south western part of Uganda. 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. [46] Fortunately, stalwart sightseers can rest assured that the volcanos moods are carefully monitored lest it decides to let loose its fury of molten lava. 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 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. Over 90% of refugees settle within walking distance of Park borders. 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. 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). The Karisoke Research Center, founded by Dian Fossey to observe gorillas in their native habitat, is located between Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke. Together with Queen Elizabeth National Park, Virunga is considered by the IUCN to be a Lion Conservation Unit. Here is a summary of the most important information about the hike that can become one of the most amazing experiences of your life. [54] Show map of Democratic Republic of the Congo, List of mountains peaks in the Virunga Mountain Range, Learn how and when to remove this template message, "Virunga Mountains | Location, Description, & Facts", List of countries where Arabic is an official language, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Virunga_Mountains&oldid=1133900401, Mountain ranges of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, World Heritage Sites in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles needing additional references from August 2018, All articles needing additional references, Wikidata value to be checked for Infobox mountain, Wikipedia articles incorporating a citation from the 1911 Encyclopaedia Britannica with Wikisource reference, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 16 January 2023, at 01:48. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. 2003). Oil exploration threatens the Park, sparking deep concerns from the international community. 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". Several were observed at the northern shore of Lake Edwards in 1988 for the first time. The world population of mountain gorillas is currently estimated to be at around 1000 individuals. [2] It is comparable in size to Haiti or the state of . 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. Both savanna elephants and forest elephants reside in Virunga National Park, making it one of the few places in the world where both species co-exist. 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. Virunga National Park was founded in 1925 as Albert National Park. Chattering troops of flamboyant eastern b, There are four recognised subspecies of the African buffalo in Africa and two of these the Cape and forest are found in Virunga. In elevation, it ranges from 680m (2,230ft) in the Semliki River valley to 5,109m (16,762ft) in the Rwenzori Mountains. As a consequence, the park remained closed to visitors from June 2018[38] until February 2019. Not more than 20,000 years ago Nyiragongo and Nyamulagira emerged at the western end of the chain, both with extensive craters. The mountain range consists of eight major volcanoes. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. The northern sector is characterised by the dramatic Rwenzori Mountains, with sharp peaks and plunging valleys that descend to the Semuliki River valley. Virunga Mountains: The stunning Virunga Mountains are a chain of Volcano Mountains shared between Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. Virunga Mountains in Congo were formed as a result of volcanic activity from the past. [47] 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. As anyone who has ever spent time with gorillas will tell you, it is an experience that defies words and borders on sacred. 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. 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. Explore one of the most biodiverse protected areas in the world. Of the population, 12,000 reside in South Africa and 18,000 in East Africa. Here dedicated keepers have raised the young survivors of anthropogenic cruelty (poaching and snaring), as well as rehabilitating eastern lowland gorillas. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. 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. [45], The climate in the Albertine Rift is influenced by the movement of the Intertropical Convergence Zone and the El NioSouthern Oscillation. The Virunga chained mountains, also known as the Virunga Massif, offer unique experiences to tourists in Africa. The name "Virunga" is an English version of the Kinyarwanda word ibirunga, which means "volcanoes". However, wet seasons are a good option for those with a pair of solid, waterproof boots looking to take advantage of the low-season discounts. 400,000 people are evacuated and 147 are killed in the eruption. [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. 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. In direct response to the massacres, the Senkwekwe Centre is established to care for the orphans of the massacre. Click here to learn more about the work of the Virunga Alliance. 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. Farther north are the Rutshuru Falls and the Mai ya Moto sulfur springs. Chimpanzees are an endangered species and one of the four species of great apes. 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. Park protection efforts were militarised in the following years to deter armed rebel groups and poachers from operating inside the park. 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. Disorder spreads across the Park's Southern Sector. Today, they are probably the parks most famous residents. 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. 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. 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. [49] All of the topi (Damaliscus lunatus jimela) cluster to the south of Lake Edward in the Ishasha Flats region, and regularly cross the border into Uganda. Much of the parks central region is occupied by Lake Edward. It reopened in February 2019. national park, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 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. is the branch of the Congolese government tasked with the protection and conservation of protected areas in the DRC. Learn more about the history of Virunga National Park by exploring the timeline below. Nyamuragira volcano, situated around 15 miles (25 kilometers) north of Lake Kivu, has been described as one of Africas most active volcanoes. The largest herd of elephants over 500 - since the 1980's are observed in the Ishasha corridor of Virunga. [2] Latter controlled the Mikeno sector of Virunga National Park between December 2006 and January 2009. Between the early 1930s and 1961, several expeditions to Albert National Park were carried out by Belgian scientists, the second headed by Gaston-Franois de Witte. 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. 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. Individual volcanoes bear Rwandan descriptive names, such as Sabinio (Sabinyo; Old Man with Large Teeth) and Muhavura (Landmark, or Guide). Nyiragongo has erupted over thirty times since the end of the 19. century. [3][47] Mount Mikeno is an extinct volcano located in the Virunga Mountains. Learn more about mountain gorillas in our story on these gentle giants. The mountain range is a branch of the Albertine Rift Mountains, which border the western branch of the East African Rift. Average temperatures in lower altitudes vary from 2328C (7382F), and in higher altitudes from 1624C (6175F), rarely dropping below 14C (57F). In the course of increasing tensions, the park's chief warden, Emmanuel de Mrode, was assailed in April 2014. The First and Second Congo Wars further destabilised the region. [18] In 1969, the two parks were merged under the name Virunga National Park, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. (For more on the conservation and social developments by the Virunga Alliance, have a look at their website.). [15], Virunga National Park's faunal species include 196 mammals, 706 bird species, 109 reptiles and 65 amphibians as of 2012. Nyiragongo are rewarded with a view of the worlds largest lava lake as it churns and bubbles. The camps of various armed factions are dismantled in the Central Sector of the Park. Clashes occurred in 2015 when a local Mai-Mai group in Binza (north Bwisha) attempted to take back control of region, with the objective of reinstalling fishing activities and allowing the population to return, killing a park guard and 11-15 soldiers. Together with Queen Elizabeth National Park, Virunga is considered by the IUCN to be a Lion Conservation Unit. 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. Five rangers and a driver were killed in April 2018. Their ambitious peace-building program aims to create 100,000 jobs, providing young Congolese with viable alternatives to conflict-related activities. Networking & debating APP subscribers only, TRUSTED CONSERVATION PROJECTS The Centre is the only one of its kind in the world. [50] They have significantly shaped the national park's diverse habitats and wildlife. To find lodges, search for our ready-made packages or get in touch with our travel team, scroll down to after this story. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. It is headed by Andr Bauma, a man who has become almost as famous as his gorilla charges. In April, in an effort to end the war, a peace agreement is signed by government and rebel forces. The word Virunga is and English word derived from Kinyarwanda word "Ibirunga" to meat "Mountains" These ranges consist of eight major volcanoes in Uganda, Congo with five of them located in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park. [61][62] Ndakasi, a gorilla from the park, was featured in a few television series and movies, including the Netflix documentary.[63]. Rwanda is located in East Africa, to the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, at the co-ordinates 200S 300E . Its initial size of 2,920.98km2 (1,127.80sqmi) was enlarged step by step in subsequent years. ceo@africageographic.com, Travel & conservation company, since 1991,
, The oldest national park in Africa, Virunga National Park covers nearly 8,000km. [19], In 1934, the Institut des Parcs Nationaux du Congo Belge was founded as the governing body for national parks in the Belgian Congo. 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. The Park is founded as Parc Albert, the first national park to be established on the African continent.Foosackly's Allergy Menu,
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