Why we need a map of life. 

A complete map of all elements of a system is prerequisite to its understanding; we cannot effectively protect things that we don’t know exist.

No complete inventory of biological diversity has ever been attempted in any protected area in Africa.

An unparalleled potential for discovery of new life forms, behaviors, ecological interactions, and biological mechanisms.
Assessment and management of environmental and ecological change requires knowledge of baseline conditions.

An ideal platform for training and building scientific capacity in Mozambique.

Why Gorongosa

Located at the intersection of two biogeographic realms, East and southern African – results will directly benefit biodiversity research and conservation across most of the continent. 

A stable, well developed research environment with cutting-edge facilities and a network of experts. 

A logical extension of an already existing program of long term surveys and monitoring of biodiversity, with a new focus on the least explored habitats and organisms.

A critically needed help towards rebuilding Mozambican science and research capacity for management of protected areas and other natural heritage, including the expanded Gorongosa NP.

What we know so far

Within the last 4 years our knowledge of Gorongosa biodiversity has tripled
Identified centers of exceptional richness and potential endemism within the Greater Gorongosa Ecosystem.

Discovered 99+ species new to science, including new mammals and reptiles.

Recorded 1,000+ species never before known from Mozambique and rediscovered multiple species that have not been seen within the last 100 years.

Toolkit

Expansion of the international network of taxonomic specialists and expansion of the existing Gorongosa training program for Mozambican biosystematists.

Improvements to the E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Laboratory to include the ability for large scale documentation of genetic diversity, including rapid sequencing of DNA samples in the field
Expansion of the Gorongosa bioinformatics infrastructure, and development of protocols for large scale specimen documentation and identification.

Development of sampling methods that maximize species discovery rate e.g., acoustic monitoring, environmental DNA screening, remote sampling of forest canopies and deep cave habitats.

Exploration

Systematic exploration of the least known habitats of Gorongosa, including the Cheringoma cave system, forest canopy and Afromontane communities of Mt. Gorongosa, soil biodiversity, and aquatic systems.

Taxonomic sampling to include all major groups of metazoan and plant diversity (focal groups); selected sampling of bacterial and protozoan diversity.
Documentation of multi-trophic interactions among organisms e.g., parasites and parasitoids, inquilines of social species, mycorrhizal interactions.