THE GREAT RUSIZI (PALM GROVE, RUKOKO)

The area of the palm grove is the largest part of the Rusizi Park. It has more difficult conditions than the delta. Aridity is evident, with low rainfall, asséchants winds and alluvial soils that allow water to be filtered. Vegetation and wildlife have therefore had to adapt to prolonged droughts.

The endemic palm forest (Hyphaene petersiana) is the essential characteristic of the great Rusizi. It covers over 1 200 ha. We call this palmier palm palmier, which explains the name given to this part of the park, the Rukoko. The hyphaene is an original palm tree with a delicate trunk that reaches more than 20 m high. Its nuts were once ingested by the elephants, making it easier to grow after digestion. But today, its population has fallen and occupies only one tenth of the area's surface. However, it remains visible and remains the emblem. It cohabiting with candlesticks euphorbia.

Tree and shrub savanes are also found with varieties of acacias and various épineux (wild palms). A mature steppe extends them, with a high density of dry groves and flowering plants, including the Semibarbata abyssinica with spectacular flowering in October-November. Cows have been grazing around the area for several years, which has marked a decline in the botanical diversity of the park.

Rukoko fauna has little mammals. Instead, the guibs are located in the delta, as are the hippos that were hunted by men because they cause damage in the fields. On the other hand, the striped flancs jackal is abundant in the palm sector while it does not venture to the delta.

Crocodiles are well represented near the river, as well as several other species of reptiles. There is a chance of seeing, for example, the varan of the Nile, deemed to be the only potential predator of the crocodile. With its prehistoric and somewhat frightening appearance, this muan that feeds on eggs and small mammals is in fact scared and prefers to run away from men. It is protected because it was threatened with extinction: His flesh is tasted by the Imbo people. Most snakes are also consumed by residents. One of the most threatened is the python Python, not venomous, which becomes rare.

Avifauna: like the delta area, Rukoko has a wide variety of terrestrial and, more rarely, aquatic birds. These include, among the characteristic species, the collier and the swifts of the palms. Nests of underscores hanged trees are observable everywhere.