Mozambique has formally protected Mount Mabu, one of Southern Africa’s most biodiverse forest areas and home to more than 200 recorded butterfly taxa.
A decree published by the Ministry of Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries on August 24 established the 9 341 hectare Mount Mabu Community Conservation Area in the Lugela district of northern Mozambique.
Stewardship of the conservation area has been granted to local communities who have played a significant role in preserving the forest. The decree provides for the protection, conservation and sustainable use of the area’s natural resources.
IMAGE: 1609 Butterfly Drop in 1 SOURCE: Mongabay/Christophe Bernier CAPTION: Researchers Cesária Huo, Mnqobi Mamba and Ara Monadjem during a 2024 expedition
Mount Mabu contains around 7 880 hectares of medium-altitude rainforest, known for its high levels of endemism. More than 30 species, including frogs, chameleons, bats and insects, have been discovered in the forest since 2005.
The mountain is particularly renowned for its butterflies. Each October and November, hundreds gather at its 1 700 metre summit, showing mating behaviour known as hilltopping.
