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All the Democratic Republic of the Congo Virunga National Park

Virunga National Park

The most biologically diverse protected area in Africa is also the most dangerous.

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Added By
Tony Dunnell
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Baby mountain gorilla in Virunga National Park.   Fanny Schertzer/cc by 3.0
Baby mountain gorilla in Virunga National Park.   Fanny Schertzer/cc by 3.0
Bukima patrol post in Virunga National Park.   Cai Tjeenk Willink/cc by-sa 3.0
Stream cascading down a valley before emptying into Lake Edward.   MONUSCO Photos/cc by-sa 2.0
Lionness resting in Virunga National Park.   Ad Meskens/cc by-sa 3.0
Baby mountain gorilla in Virunga National Park.   Cai Tjeenk Willink/cc by-sa 3.0
Virunga National Park.   Yvette Kaboza/cc by-sa 3.0/IGO
Lava field in Virunga National Park.   MONUSCO Photos/cc by-sa 2.0
Volcano Nyiragongo in Virunga National Park.   MONUSCO Photos/cc by-sa 2.0
Virunga National Park.   Guy Debonnet/cc by-sa 3.0/IGO
  Sydney Rose / Atlas Obscura User
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About

Virunga National Park is the oldest and most biologically diverse protected area in Africa. Covering about 3,000 square miles, it’s a vital refuge for endangered gorillas and hundreds of other rare species. But it is also one of the world's most dangerous conservation projects, as armed conflict has led to the death of more than 180 park rangers in the last 20 years. 

Created in 1925, Virunga National Park covers a vast area in the heart of the Albertine Rift Valley in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. With its river valleys, volcanoes, lakes, and tropical forests, the park has an almost unrivaled diversity of ecosystems and landscapes.

These habitats provide a home to many rare and endangered species, most famously the critically endangered mountain gorillas who live in Virunga’s volcanic forests, accounting for about one-third of the global population. More than 200 other mammal species live in the park, including okapis, lions, hippos, and forest and savanna elephants, alongside 706 species of birds, 109 recorded reptile species, 78 amphibian species, and 22 species of primates.

Add humans into the mix, however, and things take a darker turn. Armed conflict has plagued the region for decades, and clashes with militia and smugglers have resulted in the deaths of more than 180 park rangers in Virunga over the last 20 years.

Today, some 600 brave rangers risk their lives every day to protect the park, the gorillas, and all the other species that call Virunga home. And while they continue to do their job, the park itself has been closed to tourists since June 2018. The closure was enforced after rebels killed one park ranger and abducted two British tourists. The tourists were later released, but the park was closed until the end of the year.

Whether Virunga will reopen in 2019 remains to be seen. The park is looking to introduce more robust security measures to help combat multiple security threats, including smuggling, illegal charcoal production, poaching, and the continued presence of the Mai Mai militia.

Related Tags

Conservation Preservation Endangered Animals Animals National Parks Parks Flora Fauna Plants Biodiversity Biology Ecology

Know Before You Go

Virunga National Park is currently closed to visitors. The Virunga National Park Tourism official website has no details about the future reopening of the park, but does have a contact email for tourist inquiries. Prior to its closure, park permits ranged from $200 to $400.

Community Contributors

Added By

Tony Dunnell

Edited By

Sydney Rose

  • Sydney Rose

Published

December 4, 2018

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Sources
  • https://virunga.org/about
  • https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jun/04/virunga-national-park-congo-closes-tourists-2019-security
  • https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/63
  • https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-44107041
  • http://time.com/5301282/africa-congo-virguna-national-park-closed/
Virunga National Park
Unnamed Road
Democratic Republic of the Congo
-0.050221, 29.514285

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Photo of Democratic Republic of the Congo

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