Mozambique protects Mount Mabu ‘butterfly forest’

Mozambique has officially safeguarded Mount Mabu, a region renowned for its unique biodiversity, particularly its thriving butterfly population. This area, situated in the northern district of Lugela, spans 9,341 hectares (23,082 acres) and has been designated as the Mount Mabu Community Conservation Area. The protection of this land falls under the jurisdiction of local communities, who have been caretakers of the forest for generations.

Julian Bayliss, an ecologist who has conducted extensive studies on Mount Mabu over two decades, expressed his satisfaction with the decision, emphasizing the region's significance due to its high level of endemic species. Every year, in October and November, hundreds of butterflies congregate on the forest's summit for a unique mating behavior known as hilltopping.

This behavior was first observed and named by naturalist David Attenborough, who dubbed Mount Mabu the "butterfly forest" in 2013. Scientists have documented over 200 butterfly species at Mount Mabu, though they believe the actual count could be as high as 250 with further research. Since 2005, more than 30 species, including frogs, chameleons, bats, and insects, have been discovered within the forest's boundaries.

Bayliss and his team have recently described a new butterfly species, the cobalt-blue Iolaus mabuensis, which was discovered in 2008. This butterfly, with only one known specimen collected to date, adds to the forest's rich tapestry of undiscovered biodiversity.