Ecosystem of Akagera National Park – Akagera is the last remaining refuge for savannah-adapted species in Rwanda, covering 1,122 square kilometers. It features grasslands, wetlands occupied by cyprus papyrus and phoenix reclinata, as well as lakes and rivers, each providing a unique habitat for various species of animals, including mammals such as lions, leopards, elephants, hippos, and buffaloes.
It is also home to a rich diversity of birds, with over 500 species, including the iconic shoebill stork and eagles, among others.
Akagera has emerged as a stronghold against poaching, ensuring the growth of wildlife populations instead of their decline.
In the 1990s, after a significant number of lions were hunted down, an alarm was raised. Between 2015 and 2017, a reasonable population was reintroduced, and today the lion population has grown to around 54.
Elephants, once under threat of extinction due to constant disturbance, have also benefited from conservation efforts. In response, 26 elephants were reintroduced, and the population has since grown to over 140.
Rhinos also coexist in Akagera due to dedicated conservation efforts. At one point, black rhinos were nearly impossible to spot in the park, but over time, 18 individuals were reintroduced, believed to have returned naturally.
Akagera’s water sources include the Akagera River, fed by three major tributaries: Nyabarongo River, Ruvubu River, and Akanyaru River.
The main river covers 60,500 square kilometers in the region, with Rwanda accounting for 21,630 square kilometers, Burundi covering 13,790 square kilometers, and Tanzania taking 20,680 square kilometers.
Akagera is further divided into four hydrological zones, including the Congo-Nile divide, featuring beautiful hills and mountain foot ridges.
Additionally, Akagera is an important ornithological site, with over 500 bird species, some of which are migratory.
As a protector of wildlife, Akagera has collaborated with conservation organizations to promote a deeper understanding of the park’s ecosystem to the public.
Awareness programs are conducted through workshops and surveys. Strict laws have been enforced, supported by a dedicated staff of over 100 rangers, consisting of local community members and conservationists.
These rangers are entrusted with tracking and addressing illegal activities, leading to a significant reduction in poaching and an increase in wildlife populations in the park.
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