Mongabay · Climate & nature

Mozambique Protects Mount Mabu Forest

Mozambique has officially designated Mount Mabu as a protected area, recognizing its significant biodiversity and the role of local communities in its preservation.

The Mount Mabu Community Conservation Area, spanning 9,341 hectares in northern Mozambique, was established by a decree published on August 24. Stewardship of the land has been granted to the local communities who have protected the forest for generations.

Ecologist Julian Bayliss, who led surveys supporting the protection, highlighted the area's high levels of endemism. Mount Mabu is renowned for its butterfly populations, with over 200 species recorded, and is nicknamed the “butterfly forest” by naturalist David Attenborough.

Since 2005, more than 30 new species, including frogs, chameleons, bats, and insects, have been discovered in the Mabu forests. A new cobalt-blue butterfly, Iolaus mabuensis, and the Mount Mabu forest viper, Atheris mabuensis, are among the recent discoveries.

Mount Mabu contains southern Africa's largest continuous block of medium-altitude forest. Its unique terrain creates microclimates that have fostered the evolution of numerous endemic species.

The primary threats to the forest are agricultural encroachment and logging, though the area is generally well-conserved and holds cultural significance for local residents.

The establishment of the conservation area acknowledges the long-standing efforts of the community in safeguarding the forest. A community management plan, which will define specific restrictions, is still being finalized.

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