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| designation1_criteria = vii, x
| designation1_criteria = vii, x
| designation1_number = [https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/682 682]
| designation1_number = [https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/682 682]
| designation1_free1name = State Party
| designation1_free1name = Region
| designation1_free1value = Uganda
| designation1_free1value = [[List of World Heritage Sites in Africa|Africa]]
| designation1_free2name = Region
| designation1_free2value = [[List of World Heritage Sites in Africa|Africa]]
}}
}}
| photo = Bwindi Impenetrable National Park desde el Broadbill Forest Camp 20190925 085152.jpg
| map = Uganda
| map = Uganda
| map_caption = Location of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
| map_caption = Location of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
| area_km2 = 331
| area_km2 = 331
| visitation_num =
| visitation_num =
| visitation_year =
| visitation_year =
| governing_body = [[National Environment Management Authority of Uganda]]
| governing_body = [[National Environment Management Authority of Uganda]]
|website = https://bwindiugandagorillatrekking.com
| website = https://bwindiimpenetrablenationalpark.com
}}
}}
[[Image:Bwindi mountains.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Mountains of Bwindi]]
[[Image:Bwindi mountains.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Mountains of Bwindi]]
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The '''Bwindi Impenetrable Forest''' is a large [[primeval forest]] located in south-western [[Uganda]] and is located in three districts of Kisoro, Kabale and [[Kanungu District|Kanungu]]. The Bwindi forest is on the edge of the [[Albertine Rift]], the western branch of the [[East African Rift]], at elevations ranging from {{convert|1160|to|2607|m|ft}}. The forest contains around 160 species of trees and over 100 species of ferns.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Bwindi Impenetrable National Park|url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/682/|access-date=2021-09-09|website=UNESCO World Heritage Centre|language=en}}</ref> Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Reserve was set up in 1942 on the rim of the Rift Valley.<ref name="bwindiforestnationalpark.com">{{Cite web |title=Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park Uganda |url=https://www.bwindiforestnationalpark.com/ |access-date=2024-06-22 |website=Bwindi |language=en-US}}</ref>

⚫
The '''Bwindi Impenetrable Forest''' is a large [[primeval forest]] located in south-western [[Uganda]] in the [[Kanungu District]]. The Bwindi forest is on the edge of the [[Albertine Rift]], the western branch of the [[East African Rift]], at elevations ranging from {{convert|1160|to|2607|m|ft}}. The forest contains around 160 species of trees and over 100 species of ferns.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Centre|first=UNESCO World Heritage|title=Bwindi Impenetrable National Park|url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/682/|access-date=2021-09-09|website=UNESCO World Heritage Centre|language=en}}</ref>


== Origin of name ==
== Origin of name ==
The name Bwindi is derived from the [[Runyakitara]] word ''Mubwindi'' and means "a place full of darkness".<ref>{{cite web | title=Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Gorilla Trekking | url=http://www.gorillatrekkingtrip.com/bwindi-national-park.html | accessdate=22 December 2013 | url-status=dead | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130919150038/http://www.gorillatrekkingtrip.com/bwindi-national-park.html | archivedate=19 September 2013}}</ref> This name comes from the extensive stands of bamboo interspersed amongst the larger forest hardwoods. The bamboo and thick ground cover of ferns, vines, and other plant growth severely hinder direct access on foot.<ref>{{cite web | title=Bwindi Impenetrable National Park - UNESCO World Heritage Centre | url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/682 | accessdate=22 December 2013}}</ref> Also known as the "Place of Darkness",<ref>{{Cite web|title=5 Reasons You Need to See Gorillas in Uganda|url=https://volcanoessafaris.com/press/5-reasons-you-need-to-see-gorillas-in-uganda/|access-date=2021-05-29|website=Volcanoes Safaris|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Bwindi Impenetrable National Park {{!}} Institute of Tropical Forest Conservation|url=http://itfc.must.ac.ug/study-sites/bwindi-impenetrable-national-park|access-date=2021-05-29|website=itfc.must.ac.ug}}</ref> the forest is on the edge of the western arm of the [[Great Rift Valley]], only a few kilometres from the [[Democratic Republic of the Congo]] (DRC) border and about {{convert|25|km|mi}} north of the [[Virunga Mountains]].
The name Bwindi is derived from the [[Runyakitara]] word ''Mubwindi'' and means "a place full of darkness".<ref>{{cite web | title=Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Gorilla Trekking | url=http://www.gorillatrekkingtrip.com/bwindi-national-park.html | accessdate=22 December 2013 | url-status=dead | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130919150038/http://www.gorillatrekkingtrip.com/bwindi-national-park.html | archivedate=19 September 2013}}</ref> This name comes from the extensive stands of bamboo interspersed amongst the larger forest hardwoods. The bamboo and thick ground cover of ferns, vines, and other plant growth severely hinder direct access on foot.<ref>{{cite web | title=Bwindi Impenetrable National Park - UNESCO World Heritage Centre | url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/682 | accessdate=22 December 2013}}</ref> Also known as the "Place of Darkness",<ref>{{Cite web|title=Bwindi Impenetrable National Park {{!}} Institute of Tropical Forest Conservation|url=http://itfc.must.ac.ug/study-sites/bwindi-impenetrable-national-park|access-date=2021-05-29|website=itfc.must.ac.ug}}</ref> the forest is on the edge of the western arm of the [[Great Rift Valley]], only a few kilometers from the [[Democratic Republic of the Congo]] (DRC) border and about {{convert|25|km|mi}} north of the [[Virunga Mountains]].




== Wildlife ==
== Wildlife ==
The forest is one of the most biologically diverse areas on Earth.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Centre|first=UNESCO World Heritage|title=Bwindi Impenetrable National Park|url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/682/|access-date=2021-05-29|website=UNESCO World Heritage Centre|language=en}}</ref> Half of the world's population of the highly endangered [[mountain gorilla]]s live within its borders.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Trekking with Mountain Gorillas {{!}} Visit Virunga National Park|url=https://visit.virunga.org/treks/mountain-gorilla-trek/|access-date=2021-05-29|website=Visit Virunga|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-01-25|title=Why You Need to See Africa's Mountain Gorillas in Uganda|url=https://www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/article/reasons-trek-see-mountain-gorillas-uganda|access-date=2021-05-29|website=Adventure|language=en}}</ref> The forest has been recognised by the [[United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization]] as a [[World Heritage Site]] for its biological significance.
The forest is one of the most biologically diverse areas on Earth.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Bwindi Impenetrable National Park|url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/682/|access-date=2021-05-29|website=UNESCO World Heritage Centre|language=en}}</ref> Half of the world's population of the highly endangered [[mountain gorilla]]s live within its borders.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Trekking with Mountain Gorillas {{!}} Visit Virunga National Park|url=https://visit.virunga.org/treks/mountain-gorilla-trek/|access-date=2021-05-29|website=Visit Virunga|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-01-25|title=Why You Need to See Africa's Mountain Gorillas in Uganda|url=https://www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/article/reasons-trek-see-mountain-gorillas-uganda|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225162447/https://www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/article/reasons-trek-see-mountain-gorillas-uganda|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 25, 2021|access-date=2021-05-29|website=Adventure|language=en}}</ref> The forest has been recognized by the [[United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization]] as a [[World Heritage Site]] for its biological significance.


At present the forest is believed to contain 120 mammals species, 348 bird species, 220 butterfly species and 27 frog species. Included among the mammals are [[African forest elephant|forest elephants]] and [[Yellow-backed duiker|yellow-backed duikers]]. While mountain gorillas are the most notable of the forest's primates, other residents include [[Chimpanzee|chimpanzees]], [[Blue monkey|blue monkeys]], [[L'Hoest's monkey|l’Hoest’s monkeys]], [[Red-tailed monkey|red-tailed monkeys]], [[Vervet monkey|vervet monkeys]] and [[Black-and-white colobus|black-and-white colobus monkeys]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Animals & Wildlife in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park|url=https://www.bwindinationalparkuganda.com/animals-wildlife/|access-date=2021-09-09|website=Bwindi Impenetrable National Park|language=en-US}}</ref> The forest's birds include [[Great blue turaco|great blue turacos]], [[Black-billed turaco|black-billed turacos]], [[Black bee-eater|black bee-eaters]], [[Grauer's broadbill|African green broadbills]], [[Handsome spurfowl|handsome francolins]], [[African black duck|African black ducks]] and [[Cassin's flycatcher|Cassin’s grey flycatchers]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Animals & Wildlife in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park|url=https://www.bwindinationalparkuganda.com/animals-wildlife/|access-date=2021-09-09|website=Bwindi Impenetrable National Park|language=en-US}}</ref>
At present the forest is believed to contain 120 mammals species, 348 bird species, 220 butterfly species and 27 frog species. Included among the mammals are [[African forest elephant|forest elephants]] and [[yellow-backed duiker]]s. While mountain gorillas are the most notable of the forest's primates (provides shelter to more than half the world’s population of Mountain Gorillas),<ref name="bwindiforestnationalpark.com"/> other residents include [[chimpanzee]]s, [[blue monkey]]s, [[L'Hoest's monkey|l’Hoest’s monkeys]], [[red-tailed monkey]]s, [[vervet monkey]]s and [[Black-and-white colobus|black-and-white colobus monkeys]].<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web|title=Animals & Wildlife in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park|url=https://www.bwindinationalparkuganda.com/animals-wildlife/|access-date=2021-09-09|website=Bwindi Impenetrable National Park|language=en-US}}</ref> The forest's birds include [[great blue turaco]]s, [[black-billed turaco]]s, [[black bee-eater]]s, [[Grauer's broadbill|African green broadbills]], [[Handsome spurfowl|handsome francolins]], [[African black duck]]s and [[Cassin's flycatcher|Cassin’s grey flycatchers]], white-tailed blue flycatcher, brown-necked parrot, and white-bellied robin chat.<ref name="auto1"/><ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-04-05 |title=Bwindi Impenetrable Forest - National Parks {{!}} Uganda Parks |url=https://www.ugandaparks.com/national-parks/bwindi-forest/ |access-date=2024-06-22 |language=en-US}}</ref>


== Socioeconomic struggles ==
== Socioeconomic struggles ==
The forest has been described as "Riven by disputes and crosshatched by historical, political, and biological borders" by researcher [[Craig Stanford]], co-director of the park's [[USC Jane Goodall Research Center|Jane Goodall Research Center]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Craig Stanford describes Bwindi forest as a place Riven by disputes and crosshatched - Google Search|url=https://www.google.co.ug/search?q=Craig+Stanford+describes+Bwindi+forest+as+a+place++Riven+by+disputes+and+crosshatched&sxsrf=ALeKk03eaKk8FIZpaR-bxJd4HtaPRqbgEw:1622300514916&ei=YleyYLedN9eW8gLumYbIDQ&oq=Craig+Stanford+describes+Bwindi+forest+as+a+place++Riven+by+disputes+and+crosshatched&gs_lcp=Cgdnd3Mtd2l6EAw6BwgAEEcQsAM6BAgAEBM6BwgjEOoCECc6BQgAEMsBOgYIABAWEB46BQghEKABOgQIIRAVUJ6KWFjYkl1g2uhdaA1wAngEgAH4EYgBttEBkgESMi0xLjI4LjguMy4zLjUuMC4xmAEAoAEBoAECqgEHZ3dzLXdperABCsgBCMABAQ&sclient=gws-wiz&ved=0ahUKEwi31qOvlO_wAhVXi1wKHe6MAdkQ4dUDCA0|access-date=2021-05-29|website=www.google.co.ug}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda|url=https://trek.zone/en/uganda/places/611223/bwindi-impenetrable-forest|access-date=2021-05-29|website=Trek Zone|language=en}}</ref> The forest is the traditional home of the [[Twa|Batwa people]], a marginalised community within Ugandan society.<ref>{{Cite web|last=UOBDU|date=2021|title=United Organisation for Batwa Development in Uganda (UOBDU)|url=https://www.forestpeoples.org/en/partner/united-organisation-batwa-development-uganda-uobdu|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Batwa|url=https://minorityrights.org/minorities/batwa/|access-date=2021-09-09|website=Minority Rights Group|language=en-GB}}</ref>
The forest has been described as "Riven by disputes and crosshatched by historical, political, and biological borders" by researcher [[Craig Stanford]], co-director of the park's [[USC Jane Goodall Research Center|Jane Goodall Research Center]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Craig Stanford describes Bwindi forest as a place Riven by disputes and crosshatched - Google Search|url=https://www.google.co.ug/search?q=Craig+Stanford+describes+Bwindi+forest+as+a+place++Riven+by+disputes+and+crosshatched&sxsrf=ALeKk03eaKk8FIZpaR-bxJd4HtaPRqbgEw:1622300514916&ei=YleyYLedN9eW8gLumYbIDQ&oq=Craig+Stanford+describes+Bwindi+forest+as+a+place++Riven+by+disputes+and+crosshatched&gs_lcp=Cgdnd3Mtd2l6EAw6BwgAEEcQsAM6BAgAEBM6BwgjEOoCECc6BQgAEMsBOgYIABAWEB46BQghEKABOgQIIRAVUJ6KWFjYkl1g2uhdaA1wAngEgAH4EYgBttEBkgESMi0xLjI4LjguMy4zLjUuMC4xmAEAoAEBoAECqgEHZ3dzLXdperABCsgBCMABAQ&sclient=gws-wiz&ved=0ahUKEwi31qOvlO_wAhVXi1wKHe6MAdkQ4dUDCA0|access-date=2021-05-29|website=www.google.co.ug}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda|url=https://trek.zone/en/uganda/places/611223/bwindi-impenetrable-forest|access-date=2021-05-29|website=Trek Zone|language=en}}</ref> The forest is the traditional home of the [[Twa|Batwa people]], a marginalized community within Ugandan society.<ref>{{Cite web|last=UOBDU|date=2021|title=United Organisation for Batwa Development in Uganda (UOBDU)|url=https://www.forestpeoples.org/en/partner/united-organisation-batwa-development-uganda-uobdu|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190831014156/http://www.forestpeoples.org/en/partner/united-organisation-batwa-development-uganda-uobdu |archive-date=2019-08-31 }}</ref><ref name="auto">{{Cite web|title=Batwa|url=https://minorityrights.org/minorities/batwa/|access-date=2021-09-09|website=Minority Rights Group|language=en-GB}}</ref>

== Establishment of a national park ==
== Establishment of a national park ==
In 1991, the [[Bwindi Impenetrable National Park]] was established, adjacent to the Uganda, [[Rwanda]] and [[Democratic Republic of the Congo|DRC]] border region. The park was create to protect the forest's mountain gorilla population from poachers and habitat loss. Gorilla treks are led on a daily basis into difference sections of the forest so that trekkers can see the mountain gorillas and in so doing generate necessary funds for the protection of these endangered primates. The Batwa people lost their traditional hunting grounds through the establishment of the park.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Batwa|url=https://minorityrights.org/minorities/batwa/|access-date=2021-09-09|website=Minority Rights Group|language=en-GB}}</ref>
In 1991, the [[Bwindi Impenetrable National Park]] was established, adjacent to the Uganda, [[Rwanda]] and [[Democratic Republic of the Congo|DRC]] border region. The park was created to protect the forest's mountain gorilla population from [[poaching|poachers]] and [[habitat destruction]]. Gorilla treks are led on a daily basis into different sections of the forest so that trekkers can see the mountain gorillas and in so doing generate necessary funds for the protection of these endangered primates. The Batwa people lost their traditional hunting grounds through the establishment of the park.<ref name="auto"/>


==See also==
==See also==
Line 50: Line 45:
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


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==External links==
⚫
{{Commons category}}
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* {{Official website|https://www.bwindiugandagorillatrekking.com/}}
* [https://www.bwindiimpenetrablenationalpark.com// Bwindi Park Travel Planner]
* [https://www.gorillas-safaris.com/bwindi-national-park/ Bwindi Forest Park] . Organising Safaris and Tours to Bwindi Impenetrable forest.

{{Authority control}}


[[Category:Forests of Uganda]]
[[Category:Forests of Uganda]]
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[[Category:Old-growth forests]]
[[Category:Old-growth forests]]
[[Category:Kanungu District]]
[[Category:Kanungu District]]

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==External links==
⚫
{{Commons category}}
⚫
* {{Official website|https://www.bwindiugandagorillatrekking.com/}}

{{Uganda-geo-stub}}

Latest revision as of 12:03, 24 December 2024

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Map showing the location of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Map showing the location of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Location of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
LocationKanungu District, Uganda
Nearest cityKanungu
Area331 km2 (128 sq mi)
Governing bodyNational Environment Management Authority of Uganda
Websitehttps://bwindiimpenetrablenationalpark.com
TypeNatural
Criteriavii, x
Designated1994 (18th session)
Reference no.682
RegionAfrica
Mountains of Bwindi

The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a large primeval forest located in south-western Uganda and is located in three districts of Kisoro, Kabale and Kanungu. The Bwindi forest is on the edge of the Albertine Rift, the western branch of the East African Rift, at elevations ranging from 1,160 to 2,607 metres (3,806 to 8,553 ft). The forest contains around 160 species of trees and over 100 species of ferns.[1] Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Reserve was set up in 1942 on the rim of the Rift Valley.[2]

Origin of name

[edit]

The name Bwindi is derived from the Runyakitara word Mubwindi and means "a place full of darkness".[3] This name comes from the extensive stands of bamboo interspersed amongst the larger forest hardwoods. The bamboo and thick ground cover of ferns, vines, and other plant growth severely hinder direct access on foot.[4] Also known as the "Place of Darkness",[5] the forest is on the edge of the western arm of the Great Rift Valley, only a few kilometers from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) border and about 25 kilometres (16 mi) north of the Virunga Mountains.

Wildlife

[edit]

The forest is one of the most biologically diverse areas on Earth.[6] Half of the world's population of the highly endangered mountain gorillas live within its borders.[7][8] The forest has been recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization as a World Heritage Site for its biological significance.

At present the forest is believed to contain 120 mammals species, 348 bird species, 220 butterfly species and 27 frog species. Included among the mammals are forest elephants and yellow-backed duikers. While mountain gorillas are the most notable of the forest's primates (provides shelter to more than half the world’s population of Mountain Gorillas),[2] other residents include chimpanzees, blue monkeys, l’Hoest’s monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, vervet monkeys and black-and-white colobus monkeys.[9] The forest's birds include great blue turacos, black-billed turacos, black bee-eaters, African green broadbills, handsome francolins, African black ducks and Cassin’s grey flycatchers, white-tailed blue flycatcher, brown-necked parrot, and white-bellied robin chat.[9][10]

Socioeconomic struggles

[edit]

The forest has been described as "Riven by disputes and crosshatched by historical, political, and biological borders" by researcher Craig Stanford, co-director of the park's Jane Goodall Research Center.[11][12] The forest is the traditional home of the Batwa people, a marginalized community within Ugandan society.[13][14]

Establishment of a national park

[edit]

In 1991, the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park was established, adjacent to the Uganda, Rwanda and DRC border region. The park was created to protect the forest's mountain gorilla population from poachers and habitat destruction. Gorilla treks are led on a daily basis into different sections of the forest so that trekkers can see the mountain gorillas and in so doing generate necessary funds for the protection of these endangered primates. The Batwa people lost their traditional hunting grounds through the establishment of the park.[14]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Bwindi Impenetrable National Park". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Retrieved 2021-09-09.
  2. ^ a b "Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park Uganda". Bwindi. Retrieved 2024-06-22.
  3. ^ "Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Gorilla Trekking". Archived from the original on 19 September 2013. Retrieved 22 December 2013.
  4. ^ "Bwindi Impenetrable National Park - UNESCO World Heritage Centre". Retrieved 22 December 2013.
  5. ^ "Bwindi Impenetrable National Park | Institute of Tropical Forest Conservation". itfc.must.ac.ug. Retrieved 2021-05-29.
  6. ^ "Bwindi Impenetrable National Park". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Retrieved 2021-05-29.
  7. ^ "Trekking with Mountain Gorillas | Visit Virunga National Park". Visit Virunga. Retrieved 2021-05-29.
  8. ^ "Why You Need to See Africa's Mountain Gorillas in Uganda". Adventure. 2018-01-25. Archived from the original on February 25, 2021. Retrieved 2021-05-29.
  9. ^ a b "Animals & Wildlife in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park". Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Retrieved 2021-09-09.
  10. ^ "Bwindi Impenetrable Forest - National Parks | Uganda Parks". 2019-04-05. Retrieved 2024-06-22.
  11. ^ "Craig Stanford describes Bwindi forest as a place Riven by disputes and crosshatched - Google Search". www.google.co.ug. Retrieved 2021-05-29.
  12. ^ "Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda". Trek Zone. Retrieved 2021-05-29.
  13. ^ UOBDU (2021). "United Organisation for Batwa Development in Uganda (UOBDU)". Archived from the original on 2019-08-31.
  14. ^ a b "Batwa". Minority Rights Group. Retrieved 2021-09-09.
[edit]
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