New species found in DRC
2007-08-08 11:32
New York - Six new species,
including a bat and two frogs, have been discovered in
the Democratic Republic of Congo in an eastern area off limits
to scientists for decades because of violence, a wildlife group
said on Tuesday.
The New York-based Wildlife Conservation Society said
researchers conducted a survey of a remote forested region just
west of Lake Tanganyika between January and March.
"If we can find six new species in such a short period it
makes you wonder what else is out there," said researcher
Andrew Plumptre.
The new species discovered were a bat, a rodent, two shrews
and two frogs.
Aid agencies estimate around four million Congolese have been
killed in fighting or by related hunger and disease since the
outbreak of the country's 1998-2003 war, in which six foreign
armies joined in fighting over its huge mineral riches.
Despite a 2003 peace deal and the country's first free
elections in more than 40 years being held last year, militia
fighting continues in parts of the east.
"In spite of the conflict and related degradation in the
area, the survey team found that some 1 000 square kilometres have remained intact, from the shores of Lake Tanganyika up to elevations of 2 725 metres above sea level," a statement said.
Plant samples 'yet to be identified'
It said the area had been off limits to scientists since
1960 because of instability. The team also included researchers
from the Field Museum in Chicago, the National Centre of
Research and Science in Lwiro and the World Wildlife Fund.
The statement said the forest was extremely rich in
biodiversity, containing a large number of chimpanzees,
buffalo, elephants, leopards and monkeys.
Around 10% of the plant samples collected have yet
to be identified.
"Given the findings with the vertebrates, it is likely that
some of the plants will represent new species as well," said
Ben Kirunda of the group's botanical team.
The researchers said they met village leaders who were
mostly supportive of making the region a protected area.
"Since few people live there, it would be relatively easy
to create a park while supporting the livelihoods of people who
live in the landscape," said James Deutsch, director of the
Wildlife Conservation Society's Africa Program.
Democratic Republic of the Congo's wildlife, particularly
mountain gorillas in the Virunga National Park, was a
significant tourist attraction before the 1998-2003 war.
The conflict devastated the east of the vast central
African country, triggering a humanitarian disaster that has
displaced millions of people.