Park biologists explore the Chimanimani Mountains
Dr. Piotr Naskrecki and a team of researchers and students from Gorongosa recently returned from exploring the Mozambican side of the Sierra de Chimanimani. The group conducted a first zoological survey of the area and made some new and interesting discoveries.
In addition to the incredible biological richness of Chimanimani, the mountain also houses some of the most important elements of Mozambique’s remarkable cultural heritage, including cave paintings by the San of unknown age (but probably between 2,000 and 10,000 years). The team’s findings will be shared in future editions.
Gorongosa’s Lion Population has grown to 146
Thirteen new young males traveled through the central area of Gorongosa Park.
“It is something I have never seen in the seven years that we have studied the lion population,” explains Paola Bouley, Deputy Director of Conservation, who leads the Carnivore Project.
The park’s lion population is 146, with several females raising young. Tonguinha, from Bando do Sungué, just gave us two more puppies. “Lions are sentinels,” explains Paola. “When conditions are bad, they are impacted first, but when life goes well, they recover quickly. And that’s what we’re looking at. “
None of the new males were trapped during their lives. Before 2015, a third of the Park’s lions were captured, mutilated or killed by human activities.
Nespresso is a Park Partner to Increase Coffee Revenues
Nestlé- owned Nespresso has partnered with Gorongosa National Park to support local farmers in rebuilding and promoting the regional coffee industry.
By involving the Park’s coffee producers in its AAA Sustainable Quality Program and by purchasing Café da Gorongosa for its “Reviving Origins” collection, Nespresso will help local farmers create shared value, increase income, improve livelihoods and increasing resilience to climate change.
In 2015, the Gorongosa Project worked with local farmers to plant coffee seedlings in the Gorongosa Mountains. Initially, 15,000 seedlings were planted alongside native trees to support reforestation efforts in the rainforest. Today, people in the Serra da Gorongosa are planting about 200,000 coffee trees and 50,000 rainforest trees annually.
Coffee production allows local workers to have food on their tables and send their children to school – while supporting the ecosystem that surrounds them. 100% of all profits from Café da Gorongosa return to Gorongosa National Park and its people. Each bag of coffee directly supports the mission of serving the communities around the Park.
