Akagera National Park is Central Africa’s largest protected wetland and the last remaining refuge for savannah-adapted species in Rwanda, its rolling highlands, vast plains, and swamp-fringed lakes containing incredible biodiversity and rare species. Following the implementation of protection and management measures as well as reintroductions, Akagera has thriving populations of lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo, as well as zebra, giraffe, antelope and hundreds of bird species.
Akagera also works with a number of global universities and conservation organisations to deepen understanding of the park’s complex ecosystems through surveys and workshops, to which Rwandan and African students are invited for conservation capacity building. Recent studies include an insect assessment and a leopard survey.
One of the reasons for the incredible renewal of Akagera National Park’s wildlife is an effective conservation law enforcement strategy. Akagera’s team of over 100 rangers consists mainly of local community members, who patrol, track and deter illegal activities. Along with the support of community members, we have had significant success in reducing poaching to an all-time low. As a result, there has been no recorded loss of high-value species (elephant, rhino and lion) to poaching since 2010, or when they were reintroduced.
Akagera’s Canine Anti-Poaching Unit plays a significant role in its protection strategy, providing increased monitoring and overall coverage of the park. Training and upskilling of conservation law enforcement teams on wildlife monitoring and tracking technology is a continuous focus, and the rangers are committed to maintaining their excellent track record.
Every day we work to conserve Africa’s vital biodiversity for the benefit of people and wildlife.
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