world news - 08.08.2007
Lost forest reveals new species
Conservationists discovered one new bat species, a new rodent and two new species each of shrews and frogs.
The region, which is in eastern DR Congo, near Lake
Tanganyika, has been off limits to researchers since 1960 because of
instability in the area.
The survey, led by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), was carried out between January and March 2007.
WCS researcher Dr Andrew Plumptre said: "If we can find
six new species in such a short period it makes you wonder what else is
out there."
Mystery plants
The conservationists believe they might also have found
several new plant species in the forested region, which includes the
Misotshi-Kabogo Forest.
The expedition's botanists were unable to identify about
10% of the new plant samples they collected. The specimens will now be
examined by specialists to confirm if they represent new species.
The team added that the area was extremely rich in biodiversity, despite the years of conflict that have plagued the region.
The survey found that many species of birds, reptile and
amphibians were living in the forest. It also revealed larger mammals
including chimpanzees, buffalo, elephants, leopards and several species
of monkey were present, although at lower numbers than expected,
possibly because of poaching.
The researchers believe the forest contains such rich animal life because of its isolated nature and few inhabitants.
WCS said there was now a real need to protect the area.
Dr James Deutsch, director of the wildlife
organisation's Africa Program, said: "The survey has found that the
Misotshi-Kabogo region is biologically important enough to conserve in
the form of a protected area.
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