Characteristics of the Lomako-Yokokala Wildlife Reserve

The Lomaoko-Yokokala Wildlife Reserve is a protected area created in 2006 by the Congolese government. It has an area of ¿¿3.625 km ² and is located between the Lomako and Yokokala rivers in the north of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The RFLY is inhabited by the Kitawalists, followers of a religious sect that does not accept the authority of the Congolese state. It is characterized by the presence of diverse habitats and at least 23 species of large mammals, 8 of which are totally protected, 11 are partially and 4 are unprotected. The agriculture and hunting practiced by the Kitawalists and the former workers of a logging company that existed north of this reserve constitute a threat to the biodiversity of the RFLY. Notwithstanding, the presence of diverse habitats, streams rich in freshwater fish, bonobo populations studied since the 1970s as well as the presence of Congolese peacocks and forest elephants give this reserve the qualities of a natural laboratory for ecological studies and biodiversity management.