Dian Fossey Fund is a mountain gorilla conservation initiative introduced by Dian Fossey, an American primatologist who conducted research on mountain gorillas in the virunga conservation region for about 18 years before she was murdered in the wild. The Virunga conservation covers 3 countries in East Africa including Rwanda – Volcanoes national park, Uganda – Mgahinga national park and Congo – Virunga national park.
The famous Dian Fossey fund begun as the Digit fund before it was changed to Dian Fossey Fund a non government organization that conducts research on mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. Dian Fossey is credited for her tireless work to protect mountain gorillas from poachers and set up research center to aid her research work. She conducted her research on mountain gorillas in the mist for about 18 years till 1985 when she was mysteriously killed.
The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund takes over conservation activities that Dian Fossey started in 1963 in Volcanoes National Park. Dian Fossey played a significant role in safe guarding the lives of mountain gorillas and the Dian Fossey Fund conducts daily scientific research, educating conservationists and assisting communities.
Status of Gorilla Conservation today
About 1004 mountain gorillas still exist on earth according the most recent gorilla census and they still remain one of the most endangered wildlife species in the world, thriving in only Uganda’s Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga National Park; Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and the Virunga National Park in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Today, mountain gorillas have been habituated living in gorilla groups which are closely monitored to track their health, reproduction, movements so that they are well protected.
Dian Fossey Fund community programs in Rwanda
Dian Fossey Fund is devoted to enhancing the quality of life of local communities adjacent Volcanoes National Park. It supports local infrastructure for instance construction of classrooms and health clinics for the locals to improve the nature of living as well as benefit from gorilla tourism in volcanoes national park.
The fund also offers community conservation programs especially to students in different schools around Volcanoes National Park, colleges who in long run will become next conservationists or scientists
The new Karisoke exhibit now play a significant role especially for others to learn about gorilla conservation and protection
About Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is situated in northwestern Rwanda about 2-3 hours away from Kigali capital city. It spans up to 160sq.km and inhabits a section of mountain gorillas that today remain not more than 1004 in the whole world. It was established in 1925 to conserve mountain gorillas and their habitat which makes one of the four parks in the world where these creatures can be trekked. While tourists plan for gorilla trekking in Rwanda, it’s important to plan early and book gorilla permit ahead of time. The gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda costs $1500 which goes to the tireless efforts of conservation and a 10% goes back to the community in Volcanoes national park. Dian Fossey Fund has and still plays a significant role towards mountain gorillas and other wildlife species in Volcanoes National Park.
Goals of Dian Fossey Fund
- Work together with the government of Rwanda to conserve mountain gorillas and protect them from extinction
- Train other people who will become the next generation of scientists, conservationists or environmentalists
- Educate local residents in communities adjacent Volcanoes National Park about significance of gorilla conservation and their role in natural resource protection
- Conduct cutting edge science intended at developing effective conservation strategies
- Engage and assist local communities adjacent Volcanoes National Park grow through education, livelihood and health efforts
- Research on endangered species while promoting the greater biodiversity of the area
- Promote mountain gorilla protection and their natural habitat
Other Things to see in Volcanoes national Park other than gorillas
Mount Hiking – Strategically located in the prime of the Virunga conservation region, Volcanoes national Park comprises of 5 volcanoes of the 8 mountains of the virunga region some of which are active volcanoes and some are extinct and others dormant.
While in visiting Rwanda tourists can hike mount Karisimbi and Bisoke volcanoes offering 1 – 2 day hikes with overnight at the top of the Volcano with magnificent views of all the virunga volcanoes including mount Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira in Democratic Republic of Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Golden Monkey Tracking – Very interesting primates with golden patches on their backs and heads. An activity not to skip while in volcanoes national park, offered at USD100 considerably more affordable that mountain gorilla tours. Golden monkeys occupy the bamboo forest of volcanoes national park and can also be seen in Mgahinga national park in Uganda with the same vegetation. On a 7-day safari in Rwanda visitors can visit the best places that Rwanda offers.
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