Endemic Species of the Albertine Rift

An 'Endemic Species' is one that is only found in a particular region and nowhere else in the world. Since these species are not widespread and may be confined to only one or two protected areas, they are of great conservation concern.

The Albertine Rift has more endemic species of vertebrate than any other region of mainland Africa. Until recently, complete lists of endemic species had not existed. WCS has been working with other scientists and conservation organizations to complete these lists presented here for each taxon (Mammals, Birds, Reptiles, Amphibians, Butterflies) we have managed to compile data for:

L'hoest's Guenon

Mammals
34 species of endemic mammal are found in the Rift. Many of these are small mammals such as shrews, rats and bats. A few of the larger ones include the Rwenzori duiker (Cephalophus rubidus), which only occurs at high altitudes in the Rwenzori massif, and the Golden monkey (Cercopithecus kandti) which is confined to the Virunga Volcanoes. The Mountain gorilla (Gorilla gorilla beringei) is an endemic subspecies. A few larger mammals are near-endemic species, such as Grauer's gorilla (Gorilla beringei graueri) and L'hoest's guenon (Cercopithecus l'hoesti). Click here  for our latest survey list.

Rwenzori double-collared sunbird

Birds
A total of 41 species of bird are endemic to the Albertine Rift. This list combines two of Birdlife International's endemic bird areas (Albertine Rift and Eastern Zairean Lowlands) because there is overlap in the distribution of some of these species. Click here for our latest survey list.

Johnson's Chameleon

Reptiles
Sixteen reptile species have been classified as endemic to the Albertine Rift with a further three near-endemic. Seven of these are Chamaeleons and six Skinks. Few snakes are endemic to this region. Click here for our latest survey list.

 

Amphibians
At least 34 amphibians are endemic to the Albertine Rift with a further three near-endemic. Many of these species have some form of IUCN classification as they are considered threatened or little is known about their distribution. Click here for our latest survey list.

Butterflies
A total of 117 endemic butterfly species have been identified and published as a butterfly checklist by Dr Tim Davenport, a WCS researcher in Tanzania. This list is the first to attempt to define endemic butterflies in the Albertine Rift. Click here for the latest survey list.