Pressure on Kibira National Park from tea farms and developmentCEFR A2
14 Feb 2026
Adapted from Laura, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Ravi N Jha, Unsplash
Kibira National Park is near new development in northwest Burundi. Tea plantations and other land use have reduced forest cover. Local people report that chimpanzees, gorillas and warthogs were common when the forest was dense but are now much rarer in places like Rwegura.
One local said he last saw a chimpanzee in 2018 and that sightings have been occasional since. A 2019 report said the park lost many trees between 2009 and 2019. Plantations employ many workers and some people enter the park, while groups warn that fences and traps harm the animals.
Experts ask for new local jobs, training and community work to protect the park and its wildlife.
Difficult words
- plantation — A large farm where one crop growsPlantations
- forest cover — The amount of trees in an area
- dense — Thick or closely packed with things
- sighting — An event of seeing an animal or personsightings
- employ — To give work to someone for pay
- trap — A device to catch animals or peopletraps
- wildlife — Animals and plants that live in nature
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you think new local jobs would help protect the park? Why or why not?
- Have you ever seen wild animals near your home or on a visit? Tell short details.
- What kind of community work could help protect a nearby forest?
