Apr 16, 2024 |
A equipa de ciência da Gorongosa acaba de levar a cabo mais uma breve expedição de reconhecimento aos Inselbergues Bunga situadas no interior do Parque Nacional, mais concretamente no Rio Vunduzi.
According to Piotr Naskrecki, director do Laboratório E.O. Wilson Lab, na Gorongosa, Arcenia Chivale, ictióloga residente – ramo da zoologia edicado ao estudo dos peixes – enfrentou crocodilos e hipopótamos (com um guarda armado a vigiá-la o tempo todo!) para registar algumas espécies do Rio Vunduzi, incluindo o peixe-gato-elétrico do Zambeze (Malapterurus shirensis), uma espécie endémica desta região.
The biggest highlight of this expedition so far has been the discovery of a species of bat that had not yet been recorded in Mozambique. As Naskrecki says, "a great new addition to the mammalian fauna of Gorongosa National Park - Midas free-tailed bat (Mops midas), recorded at the Bunga Inselberg last week by our science team. This very fast-flying species, never before recorded from Mozambique, is Gorongosa's largest free-tailed bat, with the wingspan of nearly 40 cm".
Another highlight of the expedition was the discovery of the Zambezi electric catfish, a species that is exclusive to this region. This intriguing creature is known for its ability to generate an electric charge, used both to defend itself and to hunt its prey. Its natural habitat, the Vunduzi River, is a biological treasure that deserves to be protected and studied closely.
Malapterurus shirensis is a species native to the Zambezi River basin, where it occurs in countries such as Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe. This species can reach a length of 37.2 centimetres.
In addition to the Zambezi electric catfish, the research team also identified several other species of fish and aquatic organisms, thus contributing to the understanding of local biodiversity and to conservation efforts in Gorongosa National Park.
This expedition took place in the Bunga Inselberg, also known as Mount Bunga. Inselbergs are found in several places in Gorongosa National Park. These geological formations can be of great ecological importance, serving as refuges for plant and animal species adapted to specific habitat conditions.
Photo: Gorogosa
