Six new animal species discovered in remote African forest

A Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) expedition has unveiled six animal species, new to science, in a unique forest in a remote corner in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The species include, a bat, a rodent, two shrews, and two frogs.

Washington, Aug 8 : A Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) expedition has unveiled six animal species, new to science, in a unique forest in a remote corner in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The species include, a bat, a rodent, two shrews, and two frogs.

The forested region - including the Misotshi-Kabogo Forest (formerly Mt. Kabobo) - and nearby Marunga Massif is located just west of Lake Tanganyika and has been off limits to scientists since 1960 due to continued instability in the area.

"If we can find six new species in such a short period it makes you wonder what else is out there," said WCS researcher Dr. Andrew Plumptre, director of the society's Albertine Rift Program.

The scientists found that despite the conflict and related degradation in the region, 1,000 square kilometres of the area from the shores of Lake Tanganyika up to elevations of 2,725 meters above sea level, had remained intact.

The researchers found the gallery of forests and woodlands in the region was extremely rich in biodiversity, and contained a number of large mammals such as chimpanzees, bongos, buffalo, elephants, leopards and several types of monkeys, including a subspecies of colobus only found here.

The survey also revealed a high diversity of birds, reptile, and amphibian species.

The team believes the expedition may yield a number of new plant species, as well.

Survey botanists were unable to identify some 10 percent of the collected samples, which has now been sent to specialists for further study.

"Given the findings with the vertebrates, it is likely that some of the plants will represent new species as well," said Ben Kirunda of WCS's botanical team.

"The forest has been isolated from much of the Congo Forest block for at least 10,000 years and as a result contains some new interesting species. There is a real need to protect this forest and carry out more research in the area," added WCS researcher Deo Kujirakwinja, one of survey's participants.

The survey was conducted between January and March of 2007, and included participants from WCS, the Field Museum in Chicago, the National Centre of Research and Science in Lwiro, and the World Wildlife Fund.

ANI