Wildlife of Burundi

[1] The wildlife has been drastically reduced in recent years, mainly on account of intense population pressure, conversion of large areas of forest into agricultural land, and extensive livestock farming.

1/6, dated 3 March 1980, under which national parks (parc nationaux) and reserves were proposed to preserve and conserve wildlife.

[3] The wildlife habitat of Burundi, spread over its 15 provinces, is effected by the moderate tropical climate, dominated by variation in elevation.

[4] The elevation in the plateau varies from 1,400–1,800 metres (4,600–5,900 ft) with the decreasing trend recorded towards the east and southeast of the country.

Ruviyaronza, an upper branch of the Kagera River, is the head stream of the Nile which rises in Burundi.

[9] The flora is characterized by East African evergreen bushland and secondary grassland, as well as Afromontane vegetation including transitional rainforests in the western mountain region.

[11] Seven important species of fauna reported are Genetta piscivora (aquatic genet), Serinus mozambicus (yellow-fronted canary), Cercopithecus lhoesti (L'hoest's monkey), Agapornis fischeri (Fischer's lovebird), Galago moholi (South African galago), Hyperolius viridiflavus, and Hippopotamus amphibius (hippopotamus).

[14] Sitatunga (Tragelaphus speldi) were once found in many swamps in Burundi, but by the 1980s their numbers had dwindled, and the species' present conservation status is unknown.

[clarification needed][17] Korrigum (also tsessebe, topi or tiang), Damaliscus lunatus, which were found in the eastern flood plains and savanna grasslands, is now extirpated.

[19] Oribi (Ourebia ourebi), which occurred in the eastern and southern savanna and flood plains, is probably extirpated.

[21] Grey duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia) is found in large numbers in spite of extensive hunting in the eastern and southern savannas.

[5] According to BirdLife International, there are 13 species of global conservation concern (six of non-breeding migrants, and balance of breeding type from Albertine Rift and papyrus swamps).

Deforestation is a major problem in Burundi, with trees being cut down for fuel or for agricultural clearing;[23] as a result, there is very little natural forest vegetation remaining.

[24] Government conservation efforts are minimal, and only 5.4 percent of Burundi's land mass is officially protected.