Congolese Institutions

Institut Congolais pour la Conservacion de la Nature (ICCN)

Kahuzi-Biega National Park continued
During the past and present civil strife, the park has been under pressure in a variety of ways. The surrounding area has some of the highest human population densities found near a region of such high biotic diversity. The corridor area between the high and low elevations of the park has a growing human population that has essentially cut the park into two pieces. There have been a number of human refugee groups that have used the forests for refuge in recent years, and the local population, lacking resources from outside, has continued use the park as a source for food and fuel. An additional threat to the park is the mining of Colombo-tantalite (Coltan), a mineral used in the circuitry of cell phones. Deposits of this rare and valuable mineral lie inside the park. Illegal mining has put more pressure on the park's wildlife. Populations of Eastern Lowland Gorillas (Gorilla gorilla graueri) in the highland sector are now half that of the almost 300 that lived in the park in 1996. Elephants have been reduced to a few individuals in this sector. Despite these setbacks, the park is still a major source of pride for the region and the park staff has continued efforts to protect the park and its wildlife throughout the difficult times. Meet the staff.

Itombwe Forest
The Itombwe Massif, which rises directly to the west of the Uvira station, is southwest of Bukavu. It is the largest region of highland forest in Africa and home to a number of notable taxa, including poorly known endemics such as the Congo Bay Owl (Phodilus progoginei). Despite its documented endemic taxa, this region receives no official protected designation from the D.R.C., but officer Yuma M'Keyo of I.C.C.N./Bukavu is in charge of several conservation and community outreach programs in the region. Meet the staff.

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