Animal & Plant life

The steep sides of Napoleon Island has managed to save some of the original vegetation and animal life. As most islands on Lake Kivu it is also used by the local community for farming. The steep and rocky side of the island has made it impossible to grow anything and prevents cows and goats to get to the vegetation. The result is a rather dense forest and bush cover on parts of the island, providing a last refuge to some interesting wildlife. Some interesting bird species are often found on Napoleon Island and the taller trees give refuge to palm nut vultures and fish eagles which can often be seen. Other bird species such as hammerkop and kingfishers are common.

The most well-known mammals on Napoleon Island are fruit bats. There is a colony of as many as 40,000 straw colored fruit bats living on Napoleon Island. The fruit bats are often though to disturb and create mess or to some people they are chased away because they mean bad luck. Large trees where the Fruit bats spend the day are often cut down, so the bats have found this remote island in Lake Kivu as one of their last refuges. The bats on Napoleon Island can be found resting in the tree tops at the base of the hill. One of the hiking trails leads straight underneath the colony. If visiting, take care to disturb the bats as little as possible. If the bats feel the need to move from the island because of disturbance they can very easily get in conflict with humans.

Snakes are a common sighting on Napoleon Island. No official inventory of snakes have been made but reports of snakes including forest cobras on the islands are common. Snakes are normally shy and do not seek to harm people on purpose. Snakes will normally avoid all contact with humans if possible. Remember to thread carefully and if you spot a snake move away from the snake making sure that it has a clear escape route. Never kill, touch or interfere with a snake.