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    Virunga - Africa’s oldest national park

    Photos from Congo (Kinshasa)

    There are [5] photos from Congo (Kinshasa)

    Virunga is Africa’s oldest national park, and one of the most biologically diverse areas on the planet. Having finally settled after years of conflict, the future of the park and its gorilla’s remain volatile. Views[245] Rangers patrol the park to protect the critically endangered gorillas. Despite having increased in population over the past years, many threats are still found in the lush forests of Virunga, ranging from rebel groups, local charcoal producers and both subsistence and commercial poachers who trade live gorillas. More than 140 Virunga rangers have lost their lives while protecting the park since the beginning of the war in 1996. Views[174] Recently a UK oil company, Soco International, has begun prospecting for oil in Virunga. Discovery of oil in the region will undoubtedly have negative consequences for the survival of the mountain gorillas. Soco’s own environmental assessment report describes a likely increase in pollution, habitat damage and poaching to Virunga. Views[266] There are about 800 Mountain Gorillas left in the world, all of which reside in DRC, Rwanda and Uganda. Many are found amongst the imposing cloud-covered slopes of dormant volcanoes. Views[316] Goma and Virunga National Park lie at the foot of Africa’s most active volcano, Mount Nyiragongo. At night, the menacing glow from its phenomenal depths can be seen for miles around. The volcano has only just been reopened to tourism after the latest war to blight Kivu Province at the hands of the M23 rebels came to an end. The volcano last erupted in 2002 and destroyed 20% of Goma. Views[182]
     

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