The forest was cited by Birdlife International as “the most important site for biodiversity conservation in Rwanda” for its 275 recorded bird species of which 25 are endemic. Home to a myriad of stunning orchids, butterflies, moths and other fascinating creatures and insects, the Government of Rwanda declared Nyungwe a national park in 2005, affording it the highest level of protection in the country. The park itself covers approximately 970 km² of rainforest, bamboo, grassland, swamps and bogs, and is one of the last mountain rainforest habitats on the planet.