Nyungwe National Park

World Heritage Research

Discover scientific research and academic studies that deepen our understanding of Nyungwe National Park from its history and significance to its conservation, management, and contemporary challenges.

• An updated checklist of vascular plants (lycophytes, ferns, gymnosperms, angiosperms) from Nyungwe National Park (incl. Cyamudongo Forest), Rwanda

  A comprehensive checklist of vascular plants from Nyungwe National Park, including the Cyamudongo Forest, identifies 145 fern and lycophyte species and 1311 flowering plant species. Notably, 24 endemic ferns (16.5% of the total) and 234 endemic or near-endemic flowering plants (17.7%) were recorded, with 33 species being local endemics found only in Rwanda. The study also highlights 34 invasive exotic species threatening natural vegetation. Additionally, new combinations and names for several species are proposed, including Impatiens kagamei and Dinophora montana, while confirming the synonymy of Ranunculus rugegensis and R. bequaertii. The research provides a critical update to Rwanda's botanical inventory, emphasizing the unique biodiversity of Nyungwe National Park, particularly in Cyamudongo Forest.

  FISCHER, E., NSANZURWIMO, A., DUMBO, B., RICHTER, R., & WEGHE, J. P. V. (2024). An updated checklist of vascular plants (lycophytes, ferns, gymnosperms, angiosperms) from Nyungwe National Park (incl. Cyamudongo Forest), Rwanda. Phytotaxa, 673(1), 1–113. https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.673.1.1

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• Analysis of human-driven extinction of elephants in Nyungwe national park, Rwanda

  Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda, once home to elephants, saw their extinction by 1999 due to human-driven threats. A study analyzing the period from 1965 to 1999 identified poaching for ivory (75%), bushmeat (20.6%), traditional medicine (2.7%), and decoration (0.8%) as primary causes, alongside gold mining and logging. These activities, fueled by poverty and human-elephant conflicts, degraded habitats in key areas like Kamiranzovu, Gasare, and Bigugu, leading to the species' disappearance. The research underscores the urgent need for reinforced conservation efforts to protect threatened species and advocates for elephant reintroduction, contingent on habitat quality assessments, to sustain biodiversity and boost tourism.

  Niyonsaba Daniel, & Ndokoye Pancras. (2023). Analysis of human-driven extinction of elephants in Nyungwe national park, Rwanda. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/ZENODO.7957408

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• Community livelihoods and forest dependency: Tourism contribution in Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda

  A tourism revenue-sharing program in Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda, aimed at reducing poverty and improving conservation outcomes, has shown limited success. Despite doubling the share from 5% to 10% of park gate fees since 2005, the study found that community well-being has not significantly improved. Researchers used questionnaires, spatial analyses, and regression models to assess illegal resource use, socio-economic status, and community perceptions in 24 sectors around the park. The findings suggest that the program should prioritize areas with greater need and re-evaluate its interventions to better achieve poverty reduction and conservation goals.

  Akayezu, P., Ndagijimana, I., Dushimumukiza, M. C., Bernhard, K. P., & Groen, T. A. (2022). Community livelihoods and forest dependency: Tourism contribution in Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda. Frontiers in Conservation Science, 3. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcosc.2022.1034144

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• Diversity and distribution of Fruit‐feeding butterflies (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) in Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda

  Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda, hosts a rich diversity of fruit-feeding butterflies (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae), with 56 species recorded, including 10 Albertine Rift endemics. A study revealed that 77% of these species thrive between 1700 and 2100 meters in elevation, with higher richness and abundance during the dry season. The research used stratified seasonal sampling with fruit-baited traps across an elevation gradient from 1700 to 2950 meters. This study provides critical baseline data for monitoring climate change impacts on high mountain tropical rainforests within the Albertine Rift region, contributing significantly to our understanding of butterfly diversity in underexplored Afrotropical Mountains.

  Uwizelimana, J. d. D., Nsabimana, D., & Wagner, T. (2022). Diversity and distribution of Fruit‐feeding butterflies (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) in Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda. African Journal of Ecology, 60(3), 621–632. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.12997

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• People’s Perceptions of Community Participation in Conservation of Natural Resources in Rwanda - the Case of Nyungwe National Park

  Nyungwe National Park's management has improved local community relations and well-being through tourism revenue sharing (TRS), but participation remains passive due to top-down governance. The study reveals that while TRS has funded infrastructure, income-generating activities, and conservation awareness since 2005, human-wildlife conflicts persist. Local communities perceive governance as distant and wish for more integrative, empowering participation. The research used mixed methodologies across five published papers to explore perceptions of community roles, benefits, decision-making challenges, and desired improvements in conservation efforts.

  Umuziranenge, G. People’s Perceptions of Community Participation in Conservation of Natural Resources in Rwanda - the Case of Nyungwe National Park. https://doi.org/10.20378/irb-49963

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• Resighting African wildcats (Felis lybica): Camera trap photographs in Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda

  A rare glimpse into the elusive African wildcat (Felis lybica) population was captured through camera trap photographs in Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda. This study marks a significant contribution to the understanding of this cryptic species, providing visual evidence that sheds light on its presence and behavior within one of Africa's biodiversity hotspots. Researchers employed camera traps to document wildcat resightings, offering insights into their distribution and ecological habits in a region where such data is scarce. The findings highlight the importance of Nyungwe National Park as a critical habitat for this small carnivore, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts to protect its dwindling population.

  Turikunkiko, E., Mulindahabi, F., Gatorano, G., Muvunyi, R., Ntihemuka, P., Niyigaba, P., Ndikubwimana, I., Karegire, N., & Moore, J. F. (2021). Resighting African wildcats (Felis lybica): Camera trap photographs in Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda. African Journal of Ecology, 60(1), 71–74. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.12937

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• Evaluating the Relationship between National Park Management and Local Communities’ Perceptions Based on Survey, a Case of Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda

  A survey of residents near Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda, revealed that while local communities generally support conservation and tourism efforts, they face challenges such as weak mobilization and conflict resolution. The study found positive attitudes toward participation in conservation organizations and tourism activities, particularly due to perceived employment opportunities. However, residents called for stronger government investment, stakeholder involvement, and a role in planning processes to enhance economic development. The research suggests that integrated coordination mechanisms and conservation-development projects could foster sustainable management, benefiting both the park and the broader region.

  Nyirarwasa, A., Han, F., Pan, X., Mind’je, R., Maniraho, A. P., Gasirabo, A., Udahogora, M., Mtewele, Z. F., & Umwali, E. D. (2020). Evaluating the Relationship between National Park Management and Local Communities’ Perceptions Based on Survey, a Case of Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda. Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection, 08(12), 108–126. https://doi.org/10.4236/gep.2020.812007

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• Chimpanzee feeding ecology and fallback food use in the montane forest of Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda

  Eastern chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) in Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda, exhibit distinct feeding patterns influenced by seasonal fluctuations in food availability. Unlike lower-elevation forests, where figs are a minor component of the diet, chimpanzees here rely heavily on figs, particularly Ficus lutea, and consume flowers at seasonally high rates. Terrestrial herbaceous vegetation serves as a consistent 'filler' fallback food (FBF). This study, primarily using observational data with support from fecal analyses, reveals that higher-elevation montane forests, characterized by lower productivity and resource diversity, significantly shape chimpanzee foraging behavior. These findings contrast sharply with those from lower-altitude sites, highlighting the unique ecological dynamics of montane environments.

  Matthews, J. K., Ridley, A., Niyigaba, P., Kaplin, B. A., & Grueter, C. C. (2019). Chimpanzee feeding ecology and fallback food use in the montane forest of Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda. American Journal of Primatology, 81(4). Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajp.22971

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• Community Perceptions of Human-wildlife Conflicts and the Compensation Scheme Around Nyungwe National Park (Rwanda)

  Local communities around Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda, face significant socio-economic losses and food insecurity due to crop raiding by wild animals, yet they are dissatisfied with the existing compensation scheme. Key issues include complex eligibility requirements, lengthy and costly procedures, claim rejections, undervalued payments, and irregular delays, which discourage victims from pursuing compensation. These challenges perpetuate human-wildlife conflicts, leading communities to resort to self-defense rather than relying on monetary compensation. The study highlights the need for a more effective compensation model, potentially including fencing the park or enhancing collective guiding systems, to mitigate conflicts and improve conservation outcomes.

  Gloriose, U. (2019). Community Perceptions of Human-wildlife Conflicts and the Compensation Scheme Around Nyungwe National Park (Rwanda). International Journal of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, 4(6), 188. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijnrem.20190406.15

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• Comparing the community dependence on natural resources in Nyungwe National Park and the contribution of revenue sharing through integrated conservation and development projects

  A revenue-sharing scheme aimed at balancing biodiversity conservation and community development around Nyungwe National Park (NNP) has shown limited success. Despite investments of approximately 1 billion Rwandan francs supporting 152 projects, local dependence on natural resources—such as stolen exotic tree species and mining—remains high, with 38.6% of respondents citing mining as a primary income source. The scheme failed to significantly reduce threats to biodiversity due to economic gaps that left many community members dissatisfied. Researchers recommend revising the revenue-sharing model to better address livelihood costs and create a true win-win scenario for conservation and development.

  Imanishimwe, A., Niyonzima, T., & Nsabimana, D. (2019). Comparing the community dependence on natural resources in Nyungwe National Park and the contribution of revenue sharing through integrated conservation and development projects. Rwanda Journal of Engineering, Science, Technology and Environment, 2(1). https://doi.org/10.4314/rjeste.v2i1.9

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• Environmental Justice and Women Empowerment in Nyungwe National Park (Rwanda): Case Study of Kitabi Women Handcrafts Cooperative

  A case study of the Kitabi Women Handcrafts Cooperative in Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda, reveals significant strides in women's economic and social empowerment while highlighting persistent challenges in environmental justice. The cooperative, established in 2011 to shift former hunters' wives away from reliance on natural resources, demonstrates measurable progress through access to financial loans, savings, employment, and income-generating projects. Socially, members report improved capacity building and family relations. However, procedural justice remains limited due to a dominant top-down approach that marginalizes women's voices in decision-making processes. Challenges such as crop raiding, slow compensation processes, high-interest rates, and inadequate communication hinder further empowerment. The study recommends adopting a partnership approach to better integrate women's needs and perspectives into conservation policies.

  Umuziranenge, G. (2019). Environmental Justice and Women Empowerment in Nyungwe National Park (Rwanda): Case Study of Kitabi Women Handcrafts Cooperative. International Journal of Environment and Climate Change, 77–87. https://doi.org/10.9734/ijecc/2019/v9i230098

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• Contribution of Community Conservation and Ecotourism Projects on Improving Livelihoods and Sustainable Biodiversity Conservation in and around Nyungwe National Park (NNP)

  Over half of community conservation projects funded through Rwanda's Revenue Sharing Scheme have collapsed due to lack of monitoring and impact evaluation, with no significant reduction in biodiversity threats observed around Nyungwe National Park. The study, analyzing data from 152 projects receiving RwF 1,133,195,986, found that the scheme's effectiveness is hindered by insufficient focus on community conservation compared to law enforcement. Recommendations include strengthening community-based initiatives and revising the revenue-sharing model, set to increase to 10% in fiscal year 2018-2019.

  Imanishimwe, A., Niyonzima, T., & Nsabimana, D. (2018). Contribution of Community Conservation and Ecotourism Projects on Improving Livelihoods and Sustainable Biodiversity Conservation in and around Nyungwe National Park (NNP). Journal of Tourism & Hospitality, 07(04). https://doi.org/10.4172/2167-0269.1000363

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• Contribution of Ecotourism to the Conservation of Nyungwe National Park in Rwanda

  Nyungwe National Park in Rwanda, despite efforts to integrate local communities into conservation and revenue-sharing programs through ecotourism, faces persistent threats such as poaching, illegal logging, and mining. While tourism numbers have surged recently, community-based initiatives remain underdeveloped, failing to fully address poverty alleviation goals. The study, based on interviews, questionnaires, Range-Based Monitoring (RBM) data, and tourism unit records, highlights the need for improved revenue-sharing mechanisms to enhance conservation participation and community development.

  Imanishimwe, A., Nsengimana, V., & Nsengumuremyi, C. (2018). Contribution of Ecotourism to the Conservation of Nyungwe National Park in Rwanda. Journal of Tourism & Hospitality, 07(02). https://doi.org/10.4172/2167-0269.1000348

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• Dung beetle distribution, abundance, and diversity along an elevation gradient in Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda: A preliminary survey

  Dung beetle species richness in Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda, is highest at lower elevations (1800m) and declines with increasing elevation, up to 2800m. This pattern contradicts the expectation of even distribution along elevation gradients, supporting previous findings on uneven dung beetle diversity. The study used baited pitfall traps across transects in different elevation bands, recording 162 individuals belonging to eight species categories based on morphological traits. These results provide preliminary insights into the ecological factors influencing dung beetle distribution in high-altitude tropical forests.

  Muhirwa, F., Rwanda Abias Maniragaba, Abias Maniragaba, & B A Kaplin. (2018). Dung beetle distribution, abundance, and diversity along an elevation gradient in Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda: A preliminary survey. Unpublished. https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.10841.62563

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• Shifting through the forest: home range, movement patterns, and diet of the eastern chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) in Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda

  Eastern chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) in Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda, exhibit distinct home range and movement patterns influenced by habitat type and seasonal variations. The Mayebe community, residing in the forest center, had a significantly larger home range (21 km²) compared to the Cyamudongo community in a fragmented forest area (4 km²). Movement patterns also varied, with the Mayebe group covering an average of 987 m daily, while the Cyamudongo group covered 651 m. Both communities primarily fed on Ficus spp., but dietary preferences shifted seasonally and monthly, including fruits like Symphonia globulifera and Trilepisium madagascariense. This study provides critical insights into chimpanzee behavior in Rwanda, highlighting the importance of core home range areas for conservation efforts.

  Moore, J. F., Mulindahabi, F., Gatorano, G., Niyigaba, P., Ndikubwimana, I., Cipolletta, C., & Masozera, M. K. (2018). Shifting through the forest: home range, movement patterns, and diet of the eastern chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) in Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda. American Journal of Primatology, 80(8). Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajp.22897

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• The quality and performance nexus of the community-based ecotourism enterprises at Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda: a total quality management perspective

  Community-based ecotourism enterprises (CEEs) adjacent to Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda, can significantly enhance their performance by adopting total quality management (TQM) practices. Key TQM strategies—such as training programs, benchmarking against industry standards, employee empowerment, and integrating performance metrics—were found to be critical for CEE success. Notably, this study identifies benchmarking and employee empowerment as new dimensions of TQM particularly relevant for small and medium-sized organizations. These insights suggest that a holistic application of TQM practices across all operational stages could improve the sustainability and effectiveness of CEEs, offering a blueprint for similar conservation efforts in developing regions.

  Munanura, I. E., Tumwesigye, B., Sabuhoro, E., Mariza, D., & Rugerinyange, L. (2017). The quality and performance nexus of the community-based ecotourism enterprises at Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda: a total quality management perspective. Journal of Ecotourism, 17(2), 160–183. https://doi.org/10.1080/14724049.2017.1304945

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• Tourists’ preferences for ecotourism planning and development around Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda

  Tourists visiting Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda, prioritize improved product quality, scenic viewpoints, and better infrastructure to enhance their ecotourism experience. A study revealed that while tourists are satisfied with current guiding services, they face constraints due to time and price, limiting longer stays. Key preferences include revising park pricing, upgrading service quality, and expanding information dissemination to attract more visitors and boost park revenues. Researchers used surveys, GPS tracking, and spatial mapping to analyze tourist behavior and preferences, providing actionable insights for ecotourism planning in Rwanda.

  Kambogo, I., & Bizimana, J. P. (2017). Tourists’ preferences for ecotourism planning and development around Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda. Rwanda Journal, 1(1S). https://doi.org/10.4314/rj.v1i1s.8d

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• The Privatization of the Nyungwe National Park Buffer Zone and Implications for Adjacent Communities

  Privatization of Nyungwe National Park's buffer zone significantly reduces resource access for local communities, particularly poorer households. The study reveals that these communities heavily relied on the buffer zone for wood collection, which contributed substantially to their income. Following the privatization by the New Forest Company, stricter enforcement led to increased difficulty in accessing these resources. Semistructured interviews and empirical data on household resource collection from park, buffer zone, markets, and private lands were used to assess the impact of this management change.

  Gross-Camp, N. D., Martin, A., McGuire, S., & Kebede, B. (2015). The Privatization of the Nyungwe National Park Buffer Zone and Implications for Adjacent Communities. Society & Natural Resources, 28(3), 296–311. https://doi.org/10.1080/08941920.2014.948246

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• A new species of Dystacta Saussure, 1871 from Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda (Insecta, Mantodea, Dystactinae)

  A new species of praying mantis, Dystacta tigrifrutex, has been discovered in Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda. This finding expands the known biodiversity of the region and provides insights into the morphological diversity within the genus Dystacta. The discovery was made through a targeted entomological survey conducted in 2013, which yielded two conspecific specimens—a male and female—along with first-instar nymphs and an ootheca (egg case). Researchers also re-described the previously monotypic genus Dystacta to broaden its definition. The study includes detailed morphological descriptions, measurement data, a key for species identification, natural history information, and locality data, contributing valuable resources for taxonomic studies and biodiversity documentation in Rwanda.

  Svenson, G., Tedrow, R., Kabanguka, N., & Nasasira, R. (2014). A new species of Dystacta Saussure, 1871 from Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda (Insecta, Mantodea, Dystactinae). ZooKeys, 410, 1–21. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.410.7053

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• An African glass frog: A new Hyperolius species (Anura: Hyperoliidae) from Nyungwe National Park, southern Rwanda

  Scientists have identified a new species of African glass frog, Hyperolius buboneka, within Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda. This discovery is notable for its unique combination of traits: a light green dorsum, transparent ventral skin resembling Neotropical glass frogs, blue-colored bones, reduced toe webbing, and distinctive nuptial pads. The species also exhibits a unique advertisement call and genetic differentiation, with mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene analysis revealing at least a 4.5% uncorrected p-distance from other Hyperolius species. This finding highlights the biodiversity of Nyungwe National Park and contributes to our understanding of amphibian evolution in Africa.

  DEHLING, J. M. (2012). An African glass frog: A new Hyperolius species (Anura: Hyperoliidae) from Nyungwe National Park, southern Rwanda. Zootaxa, 3391(1). https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3391.1.4

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