A Photo-Reportage of Brent StirtonGetty Images

Conservation Rangers from an Anti-Poaching unit work with locals to evacuate the bodies of four Montain Gorillas killed in myterious circumstances in the park, Virunga National Park Eastern Congo.

The men are seen making their way up to the mountain towards the gorilla sector.

Conservation Rangers from the Burkima aerea of Virunga National Park.

A Contingent of ICCN Rangers and MONUC United Nation Peacekeepers from Indian Battalion 1 climb up Nyivagongo Volcano in Virunga National Park

ICCN Rangers at the Kibati Station conduct roadblocks and vehicle searches for illegal charcoal in Virunga National Park

Major Paul Mpoka , Commander of the ICCN Advanced Force Rangers, waits out a rainstorm with his men at Kibati Rangers Station.

Ranger Justin Sebutibirim comforts his baby girl Naomi in his meagre accomodation at the Ranger HQ of Rumangabo Park Station.

Ranger Hesron Mbera lives with his wife Donaciana and their 10 children in a former engine room in temporary accomodation at the Ranger HQ of Rumangabo Park Station

ICCN Rangers Patrol Lake Edward an visit the large illegal fishing village of Kyavinyonge.

The Rangers are looking for animal snares, illegal fishing activity, and wood cutting and checking on the Hippo population

There is a quota system for wood collection. All Collectors have a number from the Rangers and if they do not have the number their tools and wood are confiscated.

ICCN Ranger Kambale Kalibumba was killed today by a rogue FARDC Congolese Soldier who allegedly had a fall out with his commander over a disciplinary issue and left the base on a killing spree

The funeral of ICCN Ranger Kambale Kalibumba, 36, at Mutsora Ranger Station

Aerel views of Kibumba Internally Displaced People´s Camp. This Camp is filled with people displaced by the regional conflict . It is now the central sales area for illegal Charcoal produced in Virunga

National Park in Rebel FDLR territory.

Images of Bulengo Internally Displaced Person s Camp, outside of Goma. This camp is made up of people who have fled their homes in the face of civil strife and anarchy. Clashes between the

Congolese Army, the rebel forces of CNPD under General Laurent Nkunda, FDLR Hutu militia-men from Rwanda and Mai Mai militias.

ICCN Rangers distribute illegal charcoal which they have seized to needy Internally Displaced People at Kibati IDP camp , Kibati

Scenes of nearby population growth and agricultural practise near the Tshiabirimu ICCN post. It is the only place other tan the southern Mikeno sector, currently under rebel CNPD occupation , where

it is possible to see gorillas in the DRC.

Rangers conduct an anti-charcoal patrol in the Kibati region of Virunga National Park

Aerials views of people carrying illegal charcoal through Virunga National Park in Rebel FDLR

territory.

ICCN Rangers conduct a raiding patrol into an area of illegal Charcoal production. They arrested a number of mules, poor people from displaced communities who are being used by the real powers behind Charcoal

production in the area.

A man from Goma who has illegally purchased bushmeat from Virunga Nationalpark in the form of a small antelope is caught and intergogated by ICCN Rangers.

Photographs from a trial inquiring into illegal activities in Virunga National Park.

Paulin Ngobobo, Chief Warden of the Southern Sector of Virunga National Park.

The orphan lowland gorilla Mapendo gets into bed with his caregiver and goes to sleep.

Photos: Brent Stirton