A worsening drought in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo is exacerbating the already severe pressures on wildlife, as ongoing conflict further disrupts fragile ecosystems. The combination of reduced water sources and human activity driven by instability is pushing vulnerable species closer to the brink. Conservationists warn that without intervention, the region’s biodiversity could face irreversible damage. The situation highlights the intertwined crises of climate change and armed conflict in one of Africa’s most ecologically rich but troubled areas.


Drought and conflict compound the threat to wildlife in eastern DR Congo.