Butterflies are among the many living organisms found in Akagera National Park, and they play a much more significant role than most people may realize.
Beyond simply being beautiful to observe, butterflies help the park’s management detect potential threats such as wildfires. They sense environmental changes early and often leave affected areas before danger becomes visible, giving conservation teams crucial early warning signs.
While most visitors to Akagera National Park come hoping to see the well-known “Big Five”—lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos, rhinos and other wildlife, there are also enthusiasts keen on learning about the park’s butterfly species.
As part of its regular biodiversity monitoring, the Conservation and Research Department of Akagera National Park conducts continuous assessments of butterfly populations across six designated monitoring zones.
According to park authorities, Akagera is home to 179 recorded butterfly species, with the highest concentrations found in Birengero, Mihindi, Mutumba, Nyungwe, Ruzizi, and the park headquarters.
Jean Paul Karinganire, the Park’s Community and Partnership Manager, told IGIHE that the number of frequently observed butterfly species has risen to 164 species belonging to 75 families.
Among these, the Nymphalidae family is the most dominant, with 68 species identified.
He explained, “A monthly survey is carried out in each monitoring area along a one-kilometer transect, during sunny weather and around midday. The assessment team identifies every butterfly encountered, recording its behavior, colors, patterns, and wing texture.”
Karinganire added that the richness and diversity of butterfly species in each zone depend on factors such as soil type, vegetation cover, and habitat conditions. These factors help researchers determine which butterfly species thrive in Akagera and how best to protect them.
He noted, “Their abundance is influenced by the availability of host plants, water sources, altitude, and seasonal changes. Butterflies serve as important indicators of ecosystem health. Long-term monitoring helps park management detect environmental changes, shifts in species composition, and possible climate variations.”
To date, 179 butterfly species have been documented in Akagera National Park, and they continue to be monitored monthly. This helps conservation teams identify potential threats, including early signs of fires or other ecological disturbances, ensuring better protection of the park’s biodiversity.
