Reconciling Landscape Fragmentation and Hippopotamuses Population Decrease in Virunga National Park Wetland

A dramatic 96% decline in the hippo population of Virunga National Park (VNP) over less than four decades is linked to severe wetland fragmentation, according to a study analyzing landscape changes from 1990 to 2018. Using remote sensing and landscape metrics—including NDVI and NDWI—researchers mapped seven land cover classes and calculated fragmentation indices, revealing a strong negative correlation between hippo population size and wetland fragmentation levels. The findings underscore the critical role of intact wetlands in supporting biodiversity, with implications for conservation strategies in VNP.

Udahogora, M., Yang, Z., Mindje, P., Nahayo, L., Mindje, R., Nzabarinda, V., & Nyirarwasa, A. (2020). Reconciling Landscape Fragmentation and Hippopotamuses Population Decrease in Virunga National Park Wetland. Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection, 08(12), 63–76. https://doi.org/10.4236/gep.2020.812004