Over 400 new species discovered in Rwanda's Rugezi Marsh #rwanda #RwOT

Covering an area of 6,736 hectares across the Gicumbi and Burera districts, Rugezi Marsh is one of Rwanda's most vital wetlands. It serves as a crucial water source for the Burera and Ruhondo lakes, which supply water to the Ntaruka and Mukungwa hydroelectric power stations.

In 2006, Rugezi Marsh was designated a Ramsar site, joining a global network of wetlands protected under the Ramsar Convention, signed in 1971 and enacted in 1975.

Despite its ecological importance, the species inhabiting the marsh were not fully documented until the recent research initiative launched in 2023.

Among the new discoveries are two species recorded in Rwanda for the first time: a butterfly known as the Hydrilla Leafcutter Moth and climbing plant species, Zehneria tridactyla.

Researchers documented 197 plant species, including 109 previously unrecorded in the marsh. They also identified 127 bird species, 28 of which are new to the region.

The marsh hosts an array of aquatic life, with 82 newly identified invertebrate species, 14 amphibian species (eight of which are newly discovered), and 13 reptile species (10 of them previously unknown).

Regarding mammals, 53 species were recorded, including 22 species of bats. Three fish species were also found, one of which is newly discovered. The study also unveiled 149 species of arthropods, including 49 butterfly species, all previously undocumented in the Rugezi Marsh.

Laure Rurangwa, a lead researcher with expertise in bird species, emphasized the significance of this thorough biodiversity study.

She pointed out that it marks the first time such an in-depth investigation has been carried out in Rugezi, stressing the need for ongoing research to better understand the genetic composition of these species, which will contribute to global conservation initiatives.

Rurangwa also mentioned the possibility of discovering species entirely new to science as genetic analysis continues.

Dr. Olivier Nsengimana, Executive Director of the Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association (RWCA), underscored the importance of this research, particularly the conservation of cranes, a species of special concern in Rwanda.

The Rugezi Marsh is home to nearly a quarter of the country's crane population, which has grown from 487 in 2007 to 1,293 today, thanks to continued conservation efforts.

Faustin Munyazikwiye, Deputy Director General of the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), highlighted the critical role the marsh plays in Rwanda's environment and energy sectors.

He recalled the 2001-2002 power shortage caused by a decrease in water levels at the Ntaruka power station, later traced back to the drying of Rugezi Marsh.

Restoration efforts were successfully completed by 2010, and today the marsh is thriving, with ongoing collaboration between authorities and local communities to protect the area and provide sustainable livelihoods for those living nearby.