Mozambique creates reserve to protect butterfly species
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The government of Mozambique established the Mount Mabu Community Conservation Area, setting aside 23,000 acres to protect a unique ecosystem.
The new reserve safeguards Mount Mabu, a wet forest in southern Africa known as the “butterfly forest” because of the more than 200 butterfly species living there. Researchers have studied Mount Mabu for decades, discovering species new to science including the Mount Mabu forest viper, with butterflies being a particular focus.
The mountains of Mabu and Namuli host a high number of species found nowhere else, making their preservation important for biodiversity. Mozambique struggled with conservation in the past due to civil war and poaching, but is now working to rebuild wildlife populations and protect existing ecosystems. The decree from the Ministry of Agriculture, Environment, and Fisheries intends for local communities to sustainably use and protect the area’s natural resources.
Locals consider the mountains sacred, which offers a positive outlook for the future of the reserve, and this new area contributes to the 25% of Mozambique now under some form of preservation.
