Mukura Forest Reserve, Protected forest reserve in western Rwanda
Mukura Forest Reserve is a protected forest in western Rwanda, spreading across steep mountain slopes covered in dense vegetation at high elevation. The terrain is traversed by footpaths that lead through different forest layers and supports a range of bird and animal species throughout the landscape.
The reserve was founded in the middle of the 20th century and was originally much larger than it is today. Over time the protected area shrank due to settlement pressure and economic needs in the region.
Local communities living near the forest harvest traditional medicinal plants and maintain a strong daily relationship with this place. This connection appears in how people participate in conservation efforts and view the forest as part of their cultural landscape.
A visit works best with a local guide who knows the paths and can share knowledge about the wildlife and plants. Sturdy shoes and weather-resistant clothing are needed since the paths can be steep and weather can change quickly.
Visitors often miss that the forest has several elevation zones, each with its own vegetation from misty mountain forest to more open areas. This vertical pattern allows you to explore multiple habitats in a short time.
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