The first comprehensive biodiversity survey of Rwanda's Rugezi Marsh has revealed significant findings, documenting 638 species, 433 of which were previously unrecorded. This extensive research sheds new light on the unique ecosystem of this internationally recognized, Ramsar-protected wetland.
Rugezi Marsh spans 6,736 hectares in Rwanda's Burera District and is vital for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem services. It supports lakes Burera and Ruhondo and is part of the world’s largest network of protected wetlands.
The survey covered a wide range of species, including plants, birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, fish, and insects.
Here are eight major findings from the study:
1. Plants: A total of 197 plant species were documented, 109 of which were newly recorded. These include endemic species and globally threatened ones, such as Bothriocline glomerate (Endangered) and Afroligusticum runsorricum (Vulnerable).
2. Arthropods: The survey found 149 arthropod species, including 49 types of butterflies. This number is expected to rise as further analysis is conducted.
3. Aquatic Moth: The aquatic moth *Paraponyx dimunitalis* was recorded for the first time in Rwanda, among 82 aquatic macroinvertebrate species.
4. Fish: Three fish species, including *Enteromius alberti* and *Pseudocrenilabrus multicolor*, were recorded in Rugezi Marsh for the first time. This marks the first discovery of *Enteromius alberti* in Rwanda’s wetlands.
5. Amphibians: Fourteen amphibian species were identified, including eight new to the marsh. Two species are nationally listed as endangered, and four are endemic to the Albertine Rift.
6. Reptiles: Ten newly recorded reptile species were found among a total of 13, including endangered species like the five-toed skink (*Leptosiaphos graueri*).
7. Birds: The survey documented 127 bird species, including 28 new to the area. Notable species include the endangered Grey Crowned Crane and the Rwenzori Nightjar, recorded outside its usual montane forest habitat for the first time.
8. Mammals: A total of 53 mammal species were identified, with 51 being newly recorded. These include 22 bat species and several globally threatened mammals like the Vulnerable Harrison’s giant mastiff bat and two otter species.
This landmark survey highlights the rich biodiversity of Rugezi Marsh, underscoring the importance of conservation efforts in preserving this critical habitat.
