Virunga National Park

The Virunga National Park lies in the Virunga Mountains of the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, bordering Volcans National Park in Rwanda and Rwenzori National Park in Uganda. Covering 7,800 km² it was established in 1925 as an animal reserve. In later years it has become known for its mountain gorillas, although poaching and the Congo Civil War have seriously damaged its wildlife population.

Related Topics:
Virunga Mountains - Democratic Republic of Congo - Volcans National Park - Rwanda - Rwenzori National Park - Uganda - Mountain gorilla - Poaching - Congo Civil War

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The national park covers the western shores of Lake Edward, known for its hippopotamuses, while elsewhere, marshland, grassland plateau and plains dominate the park. The Rwenzori Mountains lie on the Ugandan border and rise to alpine meadows and a glacier, while Nyiragongo and Nyamulagira are both active volcanoes with substantial associated lava plains.

Related Topics:
National park - Lake Edward - Hippopotamus - Marshland - Grassland - Plateau - Plain - Rwenzori Mountains - Meadow - Glacier - Nyiragongo - Nyamulagira - Active volcano - Lava plain

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Although mountain gorillas are now extremely rare, it is believed that forest elephants and chimpanzees can still be found in Virunga, along with antelopes, buffaloes and many birds. The neighbouring Mount Hoyo area was managed with the park and is home to a population of Pygmy people, caves and waterfalls, but since the civil wars, the park has not been maintained.

Related Topics:
Forest elephant - Chimpanzee - Antelope - Buffalo - Bird - Mount Hoyo - Pygmy - Cave - Waterfall

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