Mozambique Formally Protects Mount Mabu, Southern Africa's Largest Mid-Altitude Forest Block
Mozambique has officially established the Mount Mabu Community Conservation Area, a 9,341-hectare protected zone in the Lugela district of northern Mozambique, following a decree published on 24 August by the Ministry of Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries. Stewardship of the land has been granted to local communities who have long preserved the forest, which hosts the largest continuous block of medium-altitude forest remaining in southern Africa. Mount Mabu is home to more than 200 butterfly species and has yielded more than 30 newly discovered species since 2005, including frogs, chameleons, bats and insects, with scientists estimating butterfly taxa could reach 250 with further surveys.
The conservation area's designation follows more than two decades of ecological surveys led by ecologist Julian Bayliss, whose work helped build the scientific case for formal protection. The mountain gained wider public recognition in 2013 when naturalist David Attenborough documented its annual October - November butterfly gatherings - a mating behaviour known as hilltopping - earning it the nickname "butterfly forest." While encroachment from small-scale agriculture and logging remain ongoing threats, the forest is considered well-conserved and holds sacred status among local communities. A community management plan, which will define specific activity restrictions, is yet to be finalised.
Source: News Mongabay
