Rwenzori Mountains Ramsar Site. 13/05/09; Kasese, Kabarole, Bundibugyo; 99,500 ha; 00°25'N 030°00'E. Within National Park, World Heritage Site, Important Bird Area. Noted by Ptolemy in AD 300 as the Lunis Montae ("Mountains of the Moon"), this site has continued to fascinate. The entire Afro-alpine ecosystem (between 1,600 and 5,100 meters asl.) is unique; with the contribution of high rainfall and the melting of snow from the peaks, various wetland types are present such as peatlands, freshwater lakes, and tundra, amongst others. The mountains are known to support 21 species of small mammals, including the endemic and vulnerable Ruwenzori Shrew. Other species of global conservation concern include L'Hoest's monkey, Horseshoe bat, and Rockefeller's Sunbird. With the distribution of fish varying with altitude, several indigenous fish species are found within the site, with the most common Cyprinid species including Varicorhinus rwenzorii. The Rwenzori Mountains continue to face challenges from increasing population pressure resulting in increased demand for agricultural land, growing tourism, and climate change, despite the stringent protection measures in place within the Park. Through its designation as a state-owned National Park, it is covered by a management plan that allows activities such as tourism, firewood collection, research, etc., to be carried out in zoned areas only. The National Park is contiguous with the Parc national des Virunga Ramsar site in DR Congo to the

Date de dernière publication: 23-01-2008