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Amphibians - CoEB Natural History MuseumRwandan amphibians are being studied by both local and international batrachologists. So far scientists have discovered two orders including Anura and Gymnophiona. An updated checklist is being developed. Curator and Research Associate: Mapendo Mindje, majulesdor@gmail.com , +250783513176 Herpetofauna, Parc National des Volcans, North Province, Republic of Rwanda: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/49588657_Herpetofauna_Parc_National_des_Volcans_North_Province_Republic_of_Rwanda Systematics and Conservation Status of Two Distinct Albertine Rift Treefrogs, Leptopelis karissimbensis and Leptopelis kivuensis: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/232695464_Systematics_and_Conservation_Status_of_Two_Distinct_Albertine_Rift_Treefrogs_Leptopelis_karissimbensis_and_Leptopelis_kivuensis_Anura_Arthroleptidae Collection Type: Preserved Specimens Management: Live Data managed directly within data portal Global Unique Identifier: 2256c83a-e326-4937-9c7c-72de58dc08aa Digital Metadata: EML File Usage Rights: CC BY-NC-SA (Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike) Rights Holder: University of Rwanda |
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Ants - CoEB Natural History MuseumAnt species diversity is currently being studied in Rwanda. More than 110 species have been identified. Curator and Research Fellow: Simon Muhayimana, simonmuhayimana@gmail.com , +250786165653 The Distribution of Ants in a Rwandan Coffee Plantation and Their Potential to Control Pests: https://bioone.org/journals/african-entomology/volume-27/issue-1/003.027.0159/The-Distribution-of-Ants-in-a-Rwandan-Coffee-Plantation-and/10.4001/003.027.0159.short Country Rwanda - Ant Checklist: https://www.antweb.org/taxonomicPage.do?rank=species&countryName=Rwanda&images=true Collection Type: Preserved Specimens Management: Live Data managed directly within data portal Global Unique Identifier: deaed54b-b096-473a-a0df-8f9a04ff10f0 Digital Metadata: EML File Usage Rights: CC BY-NC-SA (Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike) Rights Holder: University of Rwanda |
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Birds - CoEB Natural History MuseumBeing a small country with an area cover of just 26,338 square kilometers, Rwanda contains the highest concentration of birds per square kilometer in Africa. Birdwatching in Rwanda is very rewarding with a massive a bird list of over 750 species. Though there are no birds endemic exclusively to Rwanda, it accounts for most of the Albertine Rift Endemic bird species (44), 27 of which are found in Nyungwe Forest alone. Curator and Research Fellow: Jean de Dieu Nsenganeza, jnsenganeza@gmail.com , +250787560546 Avibase - Bird Checklists of the World: https://avibase.bsc-eoc.org/checklist.jsp?region=RW Bird Species of Nyungwe National Park Buffer Zone, Rwanda: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/353776578_Bird_Species_of_Nyungwe_National_Park_Buffer_Zone_Rwanda Recent Survey of Birds in Gishwati Forest, Rwanda: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/338391963_Recent_Survey_of_Birds_in_Gishwati_Forest_Rwanda Collection Type: Preserved Specimens Management: Live Data managed directly within data portal Global Unique Identifier: 40a35b02-d574-4d01-9b09-48a899d2330a Digital Metadata: EML File Usage Rights: CC BY-NC-SA (Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike) Rights Holder: University of Rwanda |
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Bryophytes (liverworts, hornworts and mosses) - National Herbarium of RwandaThe Bryophyta s.l. are a proposed taxonomic division containing three groups of non-vascular land plants: the liverworts, hornworts and mosses. Bryophyta s.s. consists of the mosses only. They are characteristically limited in size and prefer moist habitats although they can survive in drier environments. Acting Curator: Michael Thomas, herbariumNHR@gmail.com Collection Type: Preserved Specimens Management: Live Data managed directly within data portal Global Unique Identifier: 86f4b02d-b94d-46b3-8953-971d24502011 Digital Metadata: EML File Usage Rights: CC BY-NC-SA (Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike) Rights Holder: University of Rwanda |
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Diatoms - CoEB Natural History MuseumDiatom research and species identification has historically been well established in Central Africa but most commonly large bodies of standing water have been studied. In Rwanda, diatom research has not been well developed until recently. Currently, there is more research interest on using diatoms as indicators of water quality. Diatom taxonomy has undergone considerable changes during the last 3 decades with many new diatom genera being described. Collection Manager: Alphonza Nzarora, alphanza@gmail.com Data Curator: Michael Thomas, herbariumNHR@gmail.com Diatoms from the Congo and Zambesi Basins: http://www.abctaxa.be/volumes/volume-16-diatoms-congo-and-zambezi-basins/volume-16-low-resolution/download/en/1/AbcTaxa_Volume16-lowRes.pdf Collection Type: Preserved Specimens Management: Live Data managed directly within data portal Global Unique Identifier: 32bb2c02-939e-447c-9021-41d0fdfb5b61 Digital Metadata: EML File Usage Rights: CC BY-NC-SA (Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike) Rights Holder: University of Rwanda |
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eDNAAdvancing Environmental DNA Research Capacity in Rwanda to Inform Conservation Decisions Project. Collection Manager: Ren Larison, blarison@ucla.edu, 3107741646 (ORCID #: 0000-0002-0264-7276) Advancing Environmental DNA Research Capacity in Rwanda to Inform Conservation Decisions: https://jrsbiodiversity.org/grants/ucla/#:~:text=Building%20on%20a%20successful%20pilot,researchers%20to%20contribute%20to%20effective Collection Type: Preserved Specimens Management: Live Data managed directly within data portal Global Unique Identifier: 7edcd0c8-7a06-4814-91a4-64a734dc8bf7 Digital Metadata: EML File Usage Rights: CC BY-NC-SA (Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike) Rights Holder: University of Rwanda |
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Fish - CoEB Natural History MuseumCurrently, there are at least 82 species belonging to 12 families are known from Rwandese waters. With at least 37 species, cichlids are by far the largest fish family in the country followed by Cyprinidae, Mormyridae and Mochokidae, respectively represented by 24, six and four species. The other eight families are represented by one or two species only. The presence of at least 12 species is the result of introductions by humans. Fish specimen collecting fieldwork and training was conducted from 23 August-4 September, 2021 and August 7-18, 2022. Several sites were visited and sampled within the Nyungwe National Forest including: the Kamiranzovu wetland; Swamp between Karamba and Kamiranzovu swamps southern edge; Bigugu Trail, and Kamiranzovu Trail, Isumo waterfall Trail, and Kitabi Creek. Specimens were collected in duplicate sets when possible to be deposited in the Royal Belgium Institute for Natural Sciences, Belgium. Specimens deposited in the CoEB Natural History Museum are planned to be digitized and published online.
Curator and Research Fellow: Theodore Nshimiyumuremyi, tnshimiyumuremyi@gmail.com , +250788334283 FishBase: List of Freshwater Fishes reported from Rwanda: https://www.fishbase.se/Country/CountryChecklist.php?resultPage=2&c_code=646&vhabitat=fresh&cpresence=present An Annotated Checklist of the Fishes of Rwanda : https://bioone.org/journals/journal-of-east-african-natural-history/volume-90/issue-1/0012-8317(2001)90[41:AACOTF]2.0.CO;2/An-Annotated-Checklist-of-the-Fishes-of-Rwanda-East-Central/10.2982/0012-8317(2001)90[41:AACOTF]2.0.CO;2.full Collection Type: Preserved Specimens Management: Live Data managed directly within data portal Global Unique Identifier: c524776a-6b88-4f09-86a0-0068e588c773 Digital Metadata: EML File Usage Rights: CC BY-NC-SA (Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike) Rights Holder: University of Rwanda |
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Freshwater Crabs - CoEB Natural History MuseumFreshwater crabs of Rwanda are an understudied and an undercollected group. Rwanda is home to a few species of freshwater crabs, primarily belonging to the family Potamonautidae, which is the dominant family of freshwater crabs in Africa. The most well-known species found in Rwanda include: Potamonautes loveni, Potamonautes aloysiisabaudiae, Potamonautes obesus, Potamonautes niloticus, Potamonautes lirrangensis, and Potamonautes emini. These species of freshwater crabs are crucial to the health of Rwanda's aquatic ecosystems, contributing to the balance of the food web and the overall biodiversity of the region. However, many of these species are under pressure from habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change, making their conservation an important priority. Biodiversity Collections Data Manager: Michael Thomas, herbariumNHR@gmail.com Freshwater crabs of Africa: biodiversity, distribution, and conservation." Neil Cumberlidge Northern Michigan University. 2011.: https://commons.nmu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1004&context=facwork_bookchapters Ecological Assessment of Two Species of Potamonautid Freshwater Crabs from the Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe, with Implications for Their Conservation: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4713832/ Collection Type: Preserved Specimens Management: Live Data managed directly within data portal Global Unique Identifier: 590928f5-9efe-439d-a217-aa660a0ab329 Digital Metadata: EML File Usage Rights: CC BY-NC-SA (Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike) Rights Holder: University of Rwanda |
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Fungi - National Herbarium of RwandaThe diversity of mushroom biodiversity gathered in the different ecosystems (savanna, woodland, montane forest, and exotic tree plantations) of Rwanda has been understudied. However, recent research has focused on the inventory of wild edible mushrooms in Rwanda focusing on their sustainable exploitation and their potential for cultivation. Wild mushrooms constitute an interesting and under-exploited resource in Rwanda. View iNaturalist Fungi of Rwanda Acting Curator: Michael Thomas, michaelbthomas@gmail.com, 8083756275 Natural Sciences Research Specialist: Emmanuel Munyaneza, munyaneza4@gmail.com Collection Type: Preserved Specimens Management: Live Data managed directly within data portal Global Unique Identifier: 39349eae-e876-4c0b-b1be-9bc95aa70429 Digital Metadata: EML File Usage Rights: CC BY-NC-SA (Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike) Rights Holder: University of Rwanda Access Rights: Public Domain |
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Insects (Terrestrial) - CoEB Natural History MuseumCurator and Research Fellow: Thacien Hagenimana, hagenathacien4@gmail.com , +250781139073 Collection Type: Preserved Specimens Management: Live Data managed directly within data portal Global Unique Identifier: 72e36d88-ee36-4521-86e1-ab53e38c3126 Digital Metadata: EML File Usage Rights: CC BY-NC-SA (Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike) Rights Holder: University of Rwanda |
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Invertebrates (Aquatic) - CoEB Natural History MuseumCurator and Research Associate: Leonce Ngirinshuti, lngirinshuti@gmail.com, +250788234330 Collection Type: Preserved Specimens Management: Live Data managed directly within data portal Global Unique Identifier: 094bd18a-cc15-4025-9b48-13755db71460 Digital Metadata: EML File Usage Rights: CC BY-NC-SA (Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike) Rights Holder: University of Rwanda |
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Mammals - CoEB Natural History MuseumDespite its small geographical size, Rwanda is home to a diverse mammal fauna. With a few exceptions, almost all of Rwanda's mammal species are represented in these four areas: Parc National des Volcans, Akagera National Park, Nyungwe National Park, and along the eastern shore of Lake Kivu. A total of 205 species have been identified within these four areas, though the presence of some species may be in doubt, some may become locally extirpated, and a few additional species may be found with more ground surveys. Recent small mammal specimen collecting fieldwork and training was conducted in 2021 and from 7-20 August 2022. Several sites were visited and sampled within the Nyungwe National Forest including; Kamiranzovu Trail, Rukuzi Trail, Bweyeye Road at Busoro River, Uwasenkoko, Gasare, Ndambarare, Nyabishwati Trail, Uwinka Road, Ndambarare Waterfall, and Uwasenkoko. Specimens were collected in duplicate sets when possible to be deposited into the Research Museum Alexander Koenig (ZFMK), Germany. Specimens deposited in the NHR are planned to be digitized and published online.
Curator and Research Associate: Methode Majyambere, methode.majyambere@gmail.com, +250784520149 iNaturalist - Mammals of Rwanda: https://www.inaturalist.org/check_lists/7483-Rwanda-Check-List?iconic_taxon=40151 Collection Type: Preserved Specimens Management: Live Data managed directly within data portal Global Unique Identifier: 9a8e424d-d231-4be5-822c-8009ebb5af92 Digital Metadata: EML File Usage Rights: CC BY-NC-SA (Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike) Rights Holder: University of Rwanda |
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Miniature Rwandan Water Lily Exsitu CollectionRwanda’s enchanting landscape, rich in biodiversity, has recently witnessed a remarkable rediscovery - the rescue of an IUCN Red Listed “extinct in the wild” waterlily, Nymphaea thermarum. This species is known as amarebe, or impohsa in the Kinyarwanda language. In the summer of 2023, a collaborative international team, in conjunction with local villagers, celebrated the rediscovery of a population. Since then, despite challenges such as habitat threats from farming activities and an extractive mining industry, conservation efforts are underway. N. thermarum was previously conserved only through exsitu botanical garden collections outside of Rwanda. Following its rediscovery in its native hot spring habitat, the opportunity for species conservation was initiated. The species, often renowned as the world ’s smallest waterlily, plays a crucial role in its unique ecological niche and holds local cultural significance. Collection Manager: Pascal Sibomana, sibomanapascal20@gmail.com (ORCID #: 0009-0002-2555-3659) Curator: Michael Thomas, herbariumNHR@gmail.com The complete chloroplast genome of Nymphaea thermarum (Nymphaeaceae) from Rwanda, Africa: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8803108/ Celebrating an “Extinct in the Wild” Waterlily Rescue in Rwanda: https://iwgs.org/wp-content/uploads/Spring-2024-Nymphaea-thermarum-article.pdf International Team of Botanists Rediscover Extinct Water Lily in Rwanda: https://www.rwandaherbarium.net/press-release/ Scientists seek to save endangered plant species in Rwandan hot spring: https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/18142/news/agriculture/scientists-seek-to-save-endangered-plant-species-in-rwandan-hot-spring Collection Type: Observations Management: Live Data managed directly within data portal Global Unique Identifier: 3fc8b828-7e21-4fe1-9b77-fd7fec284616 Digital Metadata: EML File Usage Rights: CC BY-NC-SA (Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike) Rights Holder: University of Rwanda |
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Molluscs - CoEB Natural History MuseumMollusca is the second-largest phylum of invertebrate animals, after Arthropoda; members are known as molluscs or mollusks. Around 76,000 extant species of molluscs are recognized. Molluscs remain understudied in Rwanda. Curator: Mary Cole, marybursey@elmuseum.za.org (ORCID #: 0000-0001-5046-6536) Collection Manager: Edmond Twagirayezu, edmondtwagirayezu1997@gmail.com (ORCID #: 0009-0007-5495-6648) Freshwater molluscs of Africa: diversity, distribution, and conservation.: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/276284292_Freshwater_molluscs_of_Africa_diversity_distribution_and_conservation Exploring Macro Invertebrates: Key Players in Aquatic Health: https://ickjournalism.com/exploring-macro-invertebrates-key-players-in-aquatic-health/ Tentacle Newsletter Issue 32 - IUCN's Species Survival Commission - Mollusc Specialist Group : http://www.hawaii.edu/cowielab/Tentacle/Tentacle_32.pdf Collection Type: Preserved Specimens Management: Live Data managed directly within data portal Global Unique Identifier: 2eca6f8d-6d1e-4a91-9aa0-9dc53f195c1f Digital Metadata: EML File Usage Rights: CC BY-NC-SA (Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike) Rights Holder: University of Rwanda |
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Plants - National Herbarium of RwandaThe National Herbarium of Rwanda was founded in 1965 during the Belgian colonial period as part of the Institut de Recherche Scientifique en Afrique Centrale (IRSAC) which later became the Institut de Recherche Scientifique et Technologique (IRST) and subsequently the National Industrial Research and Development Agency (NIRDA). It was officially transferred to the University of Rwanda in August 2018 to preserve the collection. The collection was moved and rehoused in a repurposed building at the University of Rwanda, Huye and reopened in December 2018. During 2019 the herbarium specimens were databased and an emphasis on digitizing the collection has been prioritized. Presently, the herbarium holds more than 19,000 plant specimens with major plant collectors including G. Troupin, G. Bouxin, M. Radoux, G. Michel, B. Runyinya, P. Auquier, P. van der Veken, J. Mvukiyumwami, J. Raynal, J.Lambinon, A.R. Christiaensen, and P. Bamps. It serves as a national reference centre and research is primarily focused on plant taxonomy, distribution, plant use and the conservation of Rwanda and East African plants. Investigation in plant distribution has been based on specific forest inventory and landscape surveys. A library collection is housed in the herbarium and serves as an indispensable research source. The Herbarium staff offer plant identification service which can be used by local and international researchers as well as by interested members of the public. Acting Curator: Michael Thomas, herbariumNHR@gmail.com, 25 078 857-6052 Collections Manager: Sandrine Uwase, usandry8@gmail.com Collections Manager: Pascal Sibomana, sibomanapascal20@gmail.com Collection Type: Preserved Specimens Management: Live Data managed directly within data portal Global Unique Identifier: 9a530acf-68c1-474d-9a72-c5387df20e76 Digital Metadata: EML File Usage Rights: CC BY-NC-SA (Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike) Rights Holder: University of Rwanda |
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Reptiles - CoEB Natural History MuseumReptilian specimen collecting fieldwork and training was conducted from 23 August - 4 September, 2021. Several sites were visited and sampled within the Nyungwe National Forest including: the Kamiranzovu wetland; Swamp between Karamba and Kamiranzovu swamps southern edge; Bigugu Trail, and Kamiranzovu Trail, Isumo waterfall Trail, and Kitabi Creek. Specimens were collected in duplicate sets when possible to be deposited in Sekenberg Museum of Zoology, Germany. Specimens deposited in the CoEB Natural History Museum are planned to be digitized and published online. Funding provided by the Volkswagen Foundation View iNaturalist - Reptiles of Rwanda Curator and Research Associate: Mapendo Mindje, majulesdor@gmail.com , +250783513176 Herpetofauna, Parc National des Volcans, North Province, Republic of Rwanda: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/49588657_Herpetofauna_Parc_National_des_Volcans_North_Province_Republic_of_Rwanda Dehling, J . M. (2012.) An African glass frog: A new Hyperolius species (Anura Hyperoliidae) from Nyungwe National Park, southern Rwanda. Zootaxa, 3391, 52;64.: https://www.mapress.com/zootaxa/list/2012/3391.html Collection Type: Preserved Specimens Management: Live Data managed directly within data portal Global Unique Identifier: 06458528-ae80-4b74-a5c8-e993b787fdaa Digital Metadata: EML File Usage Rights: CC BY-NC-SA (Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike) Rights Holder: University of Rwanda |
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