DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC of CONGO (DRC) Sample Clauses

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC of CONGO (DRC). The Western Lowland Gorilla was considered extinct from its former range in the Mayombe (Bas-Fleuve region) in the extreme southwest of DRC, as a result of the combined effects of habitat loss, fragmentation, and poaching. However, recent sightings and observations indicate that a small population subsists in western DRC (Bas-Congo Province) and probably moves seasonally across the international border shared by DRC, Angola (Cabinda) and Congo Brazzaville. The Mayombe forest, shared between the Congo, Angola and DRC, forms the southwest margin of the Congo Basin’s tropical rainforest and the geographical limits of several forest-dwelling species, including gorillas. A trans-frontier initiative for the conservation of the Mayombe Forest focuses on its southern sector, between DRC, Angola, and Republic of Congo. This zone incorporates the Dimoneka and Luki Biosphere Reserves in Republic of Congo and DRC, respectively. In spite of little or no protection efforts in these reserves, coupled with high human populations, illegal exploitation activities and decades of, as yet unresolved, political and economic instability, local reports suggest that significant ape populations, particularly chimpanzees, may remain. Community-based conservation measures have been seeking to build support for protecting a 2,000 km² zone of the Mayombe Forest in Cabinda, Angola. Information on ape status in the Mayombe Forest is scarce, and much-needed survey efforts have been hampered by civil unrest. Ape surveys in this trans-frontier region would also confirm the presence and status of western gorillas in DRC and build political support for trans-boundary conservation efforts in the three countries.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC of CONGO (DRC). Population size In 1985, it was estimated that there were around 5 000 Grey Crowned Cranes in the DCR. They were particularly prevalent in Kivu and Katanga in the past. We have no data on the population size at this time, but they are still seen in the Virunga National Park, Mont Hoyo, Lake Kivu, Ruzizi Plain, Lake Tanganyika, Lualaba (Katanga), Upempa National Park, Kataga Kasai, Maniema and Kivu. Population trends Despite no data on the status of the population, it is widely accepted that the species is in decline. This is largely due to the pressure being placed on Grey Crowned Crane habitat as human populations increase primarily through agricultural development, water development projects, mining, activities related to fishing and habitat destruction.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC of CONGO (DRC). Most Grey Crowned Cranes in the DRC are found outside of protected areas. The Virunga National Park and Parc National d’Upembe in Katanga Province both hold populations of Grey Crowned Cranes. However, although protected, they are severely threatened by unrest and guerrilla activities, resulting in poor management of these Parks and very little protection. Parc National d’Upembe is managed by Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature (ICCN) and currently receives technical, management and financial support from the Frankfurt Zoological Society. However, activities are severely disrupted by recurring security issues, and park staff and members of their families have been killed. Management is not easy in such situations, and activities such as mining, poaching and encroachment still impact this diverse park.