Monday, March 2, 2009

A Forest Not Meant To Be Found: Mount Mabu, Mozambique, Africa



In the year of 2005, scientists from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, also known as RBG Kew, discovered a rainforest in northern Mozambique in Africa on the top of Mount Mabu. In the fall of 2008 an expedition of 28 scientist from the U.K., Mozambique, Malawi, Tanzania and Switzerland had been organized. Jonathan Timberlake, a scientist from England led the expedition. They found approximately 7,000 hectares of untouched forest filled with rich biodiversity. 

Sure, this may sound exciting... But as an environmentalist who is very concerned for our remaining forests I feel very disappointed. I think that it is wonderful that many new species have been found but I am certain that it won't be long until they are destroyed. And this makes me feel incredibly sad. 

The team discovered thousands of different tropical plants, two hundred types of butterflies, birds, monkeys, and a species of giant snake. 

The team collected samples and is still currently analyzing them in Britain. 

I find this all very fascinating but I hope more than anything that we will learn from our mistakes in the past and protect this precious land.