Facts about Volcanoes National Park.
Volcanoes National Park is one of the most remarkable safari destinations in East Africa, known for hosting the endangered mountain gorillas and breathtaking views of volcanic landscapes. It’s situated in the far northern park of Rwanda, bordering Virunga National Park and Mgahinga National Park. The park forms part of the greater Virunga Conservation Area that stretches across Rwanda, Uganda and DR Congo, which is aimed to protect the endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. It was established in 1925, making it one of the oldest national parks in Africa. This article will discuss facts about Volcanoes National Park, which makes it stand out. It has a rich biodiversity, home to the endangered mountain gorillas, 236 bird species, 35 mammal species, 12 primate species, 100 butterfly species, reptiles and amphibians. The park’s rich biodiversity is supported by its diverse ecosystems, which provide habitats to various birds and wildlife species, such as montane forests, grasslands, bamboo forests and wetlands. The park offers various safari activities that cater to travellers’ needs, like gorilla trekking, bird watching, nature walks, golden monkey tracking, cultural encounters and nature walks, making it a top destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Interesting Facts about Volcanoes National Park.
Home to the endangered Mountain Gorillas
Volcanoes National Park is globally known for hosting the endangered mountain gorillas and the rare golden monkeys, which are endemic to the Virunga area. The park has up to 30% of the world’s total population of endangered mountain gorillas, making it the second destination with the highest number of mountain gorillas after Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The park has up to 12 habituated families, which are fully accustomed to human presence. These families include the Hirwa gorilla family, the Kwitonda gorilla family, the Ugenda gorilla family, the Amahoro gorilla family, Sabinyo gorilla family, Agashya gorilla family, the Bwenge gorilla family, the Umbano gorilla family, and others. Dian Fossey, an American primatologist, played a great role in protecting the endangered mountain gorillas and making them known to the world. She protected the endangered mountain gorillas up to her death. Her dedication towards protecting them led to an increasing number of gorillas, and she’s still credited to date.
Rich Bird Life.
This is one of the interesting facts about Volcanoes National Park, as it’s a paradise for bird enthusiasts and ornithologists. It’s blessed with up to 236 bird species, including 18 Albertine Endemic species, forest birds, water birds, migratory birds, and the park’s endemics, which are rare to find anywhere else. The presence of these unique bird species is supported by the park’s natural systems, such as wetlands, tropical rainforests, bamboo zones, and grasslands, which provide habitats to various bird species. The park’s bird species include Tambourine Dove, Scarce Swift, African Palm Swift, Alpine Swift, White-rumped Swift, Little Swift, African Swift, Blue-headed Coucal, Archer’s Ground Robin, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Collared Apalis, Stranger Weaver, Dusky Crimsonwing, Rwenzori Double- collared Sunbird, Hottentot Teal, African Black Duck, Yellow-billed Duck, Handsome Francolin, Little Grebe, Speckled Pigeon, African Olive Pigeon, Dusky Turtle Dove, Mourning Collared Dove, Levaillant’s Cuckoo, Klaas’s Cuckoo, African Emerald Cuckoo, Diederick Cuckoo, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, Red-chested Cuckoo, Black Crake, Red-knobbed Coot, Grey Crowned Crane, Ruwenzori Turaco, Black-billed Turaco, Ross’s Turaco, Marabou, Yellow-billed Stork, European White Stork, Pink-backed Pelican, Hamerkop, Cattle Egret, Grey Heron, Black-headed Heron.
Rich Biodiversity.
Volcanoes National Park is globally celebrated for its rich biodiversity, home to a variety of wildlife and bird species. It has up to 36 mammal species like forest buffalo, bush pig, serval cat, giant forest hog, bushbuck, side-striped Jackal, porcupine, tree hyrax, 12 primate species like golden monkeys, olive baboons, blue monkeys, vervet monkey, silver monkey, potto, butterflies like African giant swallowtail, citrus swallowtail, African monarch, yellow pansy, mountain acrea, Blue Diadem, common commodore, African blue tiger and more. The park’s rich biodiversity is supported by its unique ecosystems, which provide habitats to various wildlife species, such as wetlands, grasslands, montane forests and bamboo forests.
