"Mukura Forestis a biodiversity hotspot within the Albertine Rift essential forbiodiversity conservation, climate regulation, and provision of water resources. Despite its importance, a comprehensive biodiversity assessment was lacking. This study surveyed plants, birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, terrestrial arthropods, butterflies, water macroinvertebrates, and diatoms across 20 sites in December 2025. Results recorded 1,523 individuals of water macroinvertebrates and 25 diatom species, highlighting minimal anthropogenic disturbance of water in Mukura Forest. Results have also indicated a total of 4,044 arthropods including 24 butterfly species. Avian surveys documented 124 species, with 12 Albertine Rift endemics and the critically endangered Hooded Vulture. Amphibians and reptiles yielded 12 and 5 species, respectively. Identified small mammals included 12 species, with three new records for Mukura. The floristic assessment identified 255 species, with two newly recorded. These findings underscore the significance of Mukura for biodiversity and emphasize the need for further research and conservation efforts." Associate Professor Venuste NSENGIMANA (PhD)
Director, CoEB
Story by: Salim K.