Mukura Forest: A Hidden Biodiversity Treasure in Rwanda

Mukura Forest, a vital part of Rwanda’s Gishwati-Mukura National Park, may be small, but it holds an incredible secret: it’s teeming with life. Covering just 1,618.8 hectares, this mountain rainforest is home to a stunning array of plants and animals, many of which exist nowhere else.

Despite its ecological importance, Mukura remains one of Rwanda’s least studied forests. A recent biodiversity survey, led by the University of Rwanda’s Centre of Excellence in Biodiversity and Natural Resource Management with support from UNESCO, uncovered just how rich—and vulnerable—this forest really is.

A Forest Full of Life

Perched on the Congo-Nile Divide, Mukura shares a landscape with Rwanda’s Nyungwe National Park and Burundi’s Kibira National Park. Yet, unlike its more famous neighbors, Mukura has long been overlooked. This new research changed that, shedding light on the incredible biodiversity within its misty hills.

Crystal-Clear Waters

Mukura’s streams are remarkably pure. Researchers tested the water and found low salinity, low conductivity, and a slightly acidic pH—conditions that indicate a pristine aquatic environment. Even the tiny creatures living in these streams confirmed the findings. Macroinvertebrates like Chlorocyphidae (Odonata) and Leptophlebidae (Ephemeroptera) are known indicators of good water quality. The researchers put it simply: “Findings suggest good water quality in Mukura Forest” .

Tiny Giants of the Forest

If you look closely at Mukura’s leaf litter, you’ll see a world in miniature—ants marching in long lines, beetles burrowing in the damp soil, and butterflies fluttering between the trees. The research team counted over 4,000 arthropods, with ants making up more than a third of them. Butterflies were also abundant, with 24 species recorded.

“The presence of diverse butterflies suggests that Mukura provides suitable conditions for leaf-litter decomposers and pollinators,” the study noted . These tiny creatures may not get much attention, but they’re crucial to keeping the ecosystem running.

A Symphony of Birds

Walk through Mukura early in the morning, and you’ll hear a chorus of birds—some of them among the rarest in the region. The study recorded 124 species, including the critically endangered Hooded Vulture (Necrosyrtes monachus) and the endangered Gray-Crowned Crane (Balearica regulorum). Other significant sightings included the vulnerable Grauer’s Swamp-warbler (Bradypterus graueri) and the near-threatened Mountain Buzzard (Buteo oreophilus).

“The most frequently observed species were mainly the Regal Sunbird (Cinnyris regius), the Rwenzori Turaco (Gallirex johnstoni), and the Ross’s Turaco (Musophaga rossae),” the researchers reported . These birds, with their bright feathers and melodic calls, bring Mukura to life.

Rare Reptiles and Amphibians

Mukura is also home to some extraordinary reptiles and amphibians. Among them is Leptopelis karissimbensis, a vulnerable frog species that had previously only been found in Nyungwe and Volcanoes National Parks. Even more exciting, researchers may have discovered a new species of frog, Phrynobatrachus SP02. “The Phrynobatrachus SP02 was not identified to the species level, and it is anticipated to be a new record for Rwanda,” the report stated .

Small But Mighty Mammals

Mukura’s mammals may not be as famous as its primates, but they play an equally important role in the ecosystem. The study identified 12 species, including three that are endemic to the Albertine Rift: Lophuromys woosnami, Mus bufo, and Praomys degraaffi. The team also documented three new species for Mukura, including Heliosciurus rufobrachium, a striking tree squirrel. “Mukura Forest is a key home of biodiversity, most of which being endemic to the region,” the researchers emphasized .

A Treasure Trove of Plants

Mukura’s plant life is just as impressive as its wildlife. The study identified 255 species, including 83 that are endemic to the Albertine Rift. Among them were two species never before recorded in the forest: Culcasia falcifolia and Monanthotaxis orophila. The forest is dominated by Rubiaceae, Asteraceae, and Primulaceae families, making it a botanical wonderland .

Threats to Mukura’s Future

Despite its rich biodiversity, Mukura is under threat.
• Encroachment: Small-scale farming, cattle grazing, and illegal mining are shrinking the forest.
• Human-Wildlife Conflict: The honey badger (Mellivora capensis) has been attacking beehives, while wild dogs prey on livestock, creating tension with local communities.
• Resource Extraction: People still enter the forest to collect firewood and timber.
• Slow Compensation Processes: When wildlife damages crops or livestock, compensation can take a long time, discouraging local support for conservation.

Protecting Mukura Together

The good news is that conservation efforts are gaining momentum. Organizations like the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), local leaders, community cooperatives, and conservation groups like ARCOS are working together to protect the forest.

The study suggests several ways to ensure Mukura’s long-term survival:
1. Sustainable Beekeeping and Apitourism: Honey production and guided forest tours could provide alternative incomes for locals.
2. Nature-Based Tourism: Hiking, camping, and birdwatching could attract more visitors and generate conservation funds.
3. Community-Led Projects: Supporting local reforestation efforts and cultural centers could enhance conservation.
4. Alternative Resource Solutions: Encouraging agroforestry and fodder planting could reduce pressure on the forest.
5. Better Infrastructure: Improving roads and facilities could support sustainable tourism and conservation.
6. Ongoing Research: Expanding studies, particularly in the dry season, could uncover even more biodiversity .

Mukura may be a small forest, but its importance cannot be overstated. The recent study has provided valuable insights into its unique biodiversity and underscored the need for immediate action. Protecting this forest is not just about preserving trees—it’s about safeguarding a living, breathing ecosystem that supports countless species, including the people who rely on it.

As conservation efforts continue, Mukura’s future depends on a shared commitment from scientists, policymakers, and the local community. After all, Mukura is not just a forest; it’s a symbol of Rwanda’s natural heritage and resilience.

Sources:

• University of Rwanda & UNESCO, Summary of Biodiversity Findings in Mukura Forest, December 2024 .
• Nsengimana, Venuste. Plant and Animal Diversity from Mukura Forest Biosphere Reserve, Western Rwanda, February 2025 .
• Mukura Biodiversity Survey Script, University of Rwanda, 2025 .