Virunga’s Endangered Species

At the Heart of Congolese Conservation
Rare and Endangered Species

Nestled in the lush folds of the Albertine Rift Valley, Virunga National Park is more than just a protected area, providing a stronghold for some of the rarest and most endangered species on Earth. As Africa’s oldest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Virunga plays a critical role in safeguarding the biodiversity of the region, with many species endemic to the area. On this Endangered Species Day, we pay tribute to the incredible rare wildlife that make the Park so important and renew our commitment to safeguarding all species that call it home. 

The Mountain Gorilla

Virunga is home to over one-third of the remaining populations of mountain gorillas, all of which live within the Virunga Massif. Intensive conservation efforts have helped the number of this keystone species to rise slowly, but they remain endangered.

(Picture by Brent Stirton)

The Eastern Chimpanzee

These highly intelligent primates are threatened by habitat loss and hunting across Africa, yet still thrive in pockets of the Park’s dense forests. Recent reforestation efforts in the Park have helped to maintain and expand their habitat.

(Picture by Melihat Veysal)

The Golden Monkey

Endemic to the Virunga volcanic range, golden monkeys are known for their striking coloration and playful behavior. But with a limited and fragmented habitat, their survival remains at risk.

The Central African Red Colobus

Among the most threatened African primates, these leaf-eating monkeys are highly sensitive to habitat disturbance and now survive mainly within protected areas such as Virunga.

The African Bush Elephant

The Earth’s largest land mammal, the African bush elephant faces serious threats from poaching and human conflict. In 2020, the largest herd seen in Virunga since the 1980s — over 500 individuals — was observed in the Ishasha corridor.

(Picture by Brent Stirton)

The White Bellied Pangolin

Elusive and nocturnal, this mammal is known for its distinctive scales — the very feature that makes it a frequent target of poaching. Virunga remains one of the last safe havens for pangolins in the region.

The African Wild Dog

Also known as painted wolves, these endangered carnivores are rarely seen but occasionally roam through Virunga’s savannas. Their decline is largely driven by habitat loss and infectious disease.

The Okapi

Commonly known as the “forest giraffe,” this shy and solitary animal is endemic to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Though rarely seen, it remains emblematic of the northern rainforests of Virunga. After more than half a century without any confirmed sightings, the species was rediscovered in the Park’s Semliki Valley in 2006.

The Tarella Shrew

Little is known about this elusive insectivore, but its presence in Virunga highlights the Park’s role in protecting lesser-known and understudied species.

The Montane Mouse Shrew

Adapted to the cool, humid conditions of montane forests, this tiny insectivore is threatened by deforestation and habitat degradation.

The Montane Shaggy Rat

Restricted to wet montane grasslands, this rare rodent plays an important role in the ecosystem but faces growing pressure from land-use changes.

The Ruwenzori Horseshoe Bat

Endemic to the Albertine Rift, this cave-dwelling bat relies on intact forest corridors to thrive.

The Grey Crowned Crane

Known for its regal plumage and elaborate courtship dances, this endangered bird depends on Virunga’s wetlands for breeding and feeding.

(Picture by Sarah Kangendo / Through the Lens)

The Bateleur Eagle

This striking raptor, known for its vivid plumage, is a top predator of the savanna. However, its population is declining due to human-wildlife conflict and habitat loss.

The Lappet-Faced Vulture

As one of Africa’s largest vultures, it plays a vital role as a scavenger. However, it faces increasing threats from poachers seeking to conceal their activities.

The Martial Eagle 

This powerful bird of prey is rare but continues to soar over Virunga’s forests and grasslands. Its survival depends on the preservation of undisturbed wilderness.

The Grey Parrot 

Highly intelligent and vocal, Grey Parrots are heavily targeted by the pet trade. Protected populations persist in Virunga’s lowland forests.

The Rwanda Five-Toed Skink

This ground-dwelling reptile is vulnerable due to its minimal range. It is rarely observed outside protected areas.

The Hackars’s Five-Toed Skink

Endemic to the Albertine Rift region, this little-known skink depends on leaf litter in forested habitats and is therefore particularly sensitive to deforestation.

The Albertine Jewel

This brilliantly colored damselfly is found only in the Albertine Rift, where it thrives in shaded forest streams. It faces threats from habitat changes.

The Bwindi Junglewatcher

This rare dragonfly serves as a key indicator of healthy forest ecosystems and is highly sensitive to disturbance.