A total of 638 species were documented, 433 of which had never been recorded before in Rugezi Marsh. The numbers were released by Rugezi Marsh biodiversity survey that was published on Friday, September 20, 2024.
The survey that started in 2023, also revealed among the discoveries, two species—the Hydrilla Leafcutter Moth (Parapoynx diminutalis) and the climbing plant (Zehneria tridactyla)—were found for the first time in Rwanda.
Rugezi Marsh, a Ramsar-protected site, has long been revered for its beauty and ecological significance.
According to Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association (RWCA) that launched that groundbreaking biodiversity survey in 2023, the new discoveries will extremely help in conserving this marshland.
“This research is monumental for us,” said Dr. Olivier Nsengimana, Founder and Executive Director of RWCA. “It establishes a comprehensive baseline to monitor species and their ecosystems. With this information, we can better protect Rugezi Marsh and develop long-term conservation plans.”
But it wasn’t just the sheer number of species that captured the researchers’ excitement.
The study revealed that Rugezi Marsh is home to nine globally threatened species and 14 species endemic to the Albertine Rift, including the Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, a bird emblematic of Rwanda’s unique biodiversity. Such findings highlight the crucial need to safeguard this ecosystem, as it plays host to species on the brink of extinction.
Dr. Nsengimana added that, “Protecting Rugezi Marsh depends on this information. It is essential for developing a long-term management plan that ensures its full protection.”
Among the endangered residents is the Grey Crowned Crane, a regal bird with a striking golden crest that has become a symbol of Rwanda’s wildlife. The marsh is also a refuge for the elusive Rwenzori Nightjar, whose presence had never before been recorded outside of Rwanda’s montane rainforests.
“This survey is not only about what we discovered, but about building the future of conservation in Rwanda,” remarked Juliet Kabera, Director General of the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA). “When nature thrives, so do we, and I encourage everyone to be champions for conservation.”
Beyond birds and plants, Rugezi Marsh is a haven for amphibians, reptiles, and mammals.
So far, 22 species of bats were documented, including the Vulnerable Harrison’s giant mastiff bat. Otters, jackals, and serval cats were also observed, painting a picture of a marsh teeming with life. And thanks to ongoing molecular analysis of 408 specimens, more groundbreaking discoveries are expected in the coming months.
The survey also shone a light on some troubling trends, such as the absence of several papyrus-dependent bird species. This calls for urgent restoration efforts to rehabilitate the papyrus stands in the marsh, a vital part of the habitat that has suffered from human activity.
To celebrate these findings and raise awareness about the importance of Rugezi Marsh, the RWCA and REMA hosted an event titled “Rugezi Marsh Unveiled” on September 20, 2024.
The event featured the premiere of a documentary by Rwandan filmmaker James Rooney Dukundane, which captured the breathtaking beauty of the marsh and the tireless work of the researchers involved in the survey. A panel discussion with the leading researchers followed, offering insights into the challenges and triumphs of conserving one of Rwanda’s most precious ecosystems.
The future of Rugezi Marsh, with its rare and diverse species, now rests in the hands of those committed to its protection. With ongoing research, conservation efforts, and the support of local communities, this unique wetland will continue to thrive, offering sanctuary to species found nowhere else on earth.
The Rugezi marsh is located in a flooded valley near Rwanda’s northern border with Uganda at an altitude of 2,050 metres.
The marsh feeds the Burera (or Bulera) and Ruhondo lakes. The Ramsar Site is a unique and important ecosystem which covers part of an Important Bird Area.
It hosts endangered species including Grauer’s swamp warbler (Bradypterus graueri) and the grey crowned crane (Balearica regulorum), and threatened birds including the papyrus yellow warbler (Calamonastides gracilirostris).
The conservation of the Site’s ecosystems is also essential for the promotion of tourism. The marsh is an important headwater of the Kagera and Nile river systems and so its good functioning has wider hydrological consequences.
It is very significant to the national economy as it enables downstream hydro-electric power generation.
The wetland and the services which it provides were threatened by agricultural activities which were causing water levels to fall, until drainage was halted and management measures implemented.
The successful restoration of the wetland has gained international recognition including a Green Globe Award in 2010.
