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The genocide that took place in Rwanda in 1994 and the insecurity in the years before and after has created many difficulties in protecting areas of conservation importance in Rwanda. Results of recent surveys show that large mammal populations have been reduced in number in Rwanda's three major protected areas, Nyungwe Forest, Akagera National Park and the Virunga Volcanos. Gishwati and Mukura Forests have been all but lost, and the Akagera National Park reduced to 30% of its original size. Despite these losses there have been conservation successes which include the protection of most of the mountain gorillas in the Virunga Volcanoes and the maintenance of the Nyungwe Forest intact. The lessons learned from operating in Rwanda during this time highlight the importance of maintaining a presence during periods of insecurity, as well as the importance of junior staff in enabling conservation efforts to take place.
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