Anthropization and Spatio-Temporal Dynamics of Land use in Virunga National Park of the Democratic Republic of Congo

Abstract

Virunga National Park (ViNP) is part of Democratic Republic of Congo's Network of Protected Areas, where human activities have led to widespread reduction of vegetation cover, wildlife and land degradation. This study aims to analyze the spatio-temporal dynamics of threats to biodiversity in relation to anthropogenic pressures in the ViNP. Landsat 2TM February 1980 and Landsat 8 OLI February 2020 satellite images and documentary techniques were used. The method of visual interpretation of the images and comparison of the results was used to highlight the occupation units and calculate their rate of change. The results revealed that biodiversity has considerable decline in recent time. The lowland forest has reduced from 34.9% in 1980 to 12% in 2020. The savannah grass lands has increased within these periods from 8,3% in 1980 to 33.7% in 2020. The loss of wildlife in Virunga National park is worrying for hippos, buffalos and elephants between 1981 and 2017. The annual loss rate for buffalo is 7.8%, followed by hippos 6.7%, elephants 3% and Gorillas 0.04% respectively. In conclusion there has been a significant loss in vegetation cover and wildlife resources in the study area. More efforts from all stakeholders is needed to reverse these declining trends in biodiversity loss so as conserve this pristine biosphere from extinction.