A yellow baboon is standing guard. Photo by Frederic Noy/Panos
Observe a young yellow baboon (above) surveying Tanzania’s Udzungwa Mountains National Park. Despite being shrouded in lush rainforests, this remote area has only recently been explored by biologists, revealing its unique biodiversity.
The park is a sanctuary for six primate species, including the Udzungwa red colobus and the Sanje crested mangabey, marking it as their last refuge. The Kipunji monkey, recognized as a new species in 2003, represents the first new monkey species discovery in Africa since the 1980s with the Sanje crested mangabey.
“It felt magical,” reflects photographer Frédéric Noy, who has documented the wildlife and landscapes of this rich area. “The ongoing discoveries of new fish in the deep sea and tiny insects on land aren’t surprising. But mammals are truly remarkable!”
In 2021, the Kipunji was assigned a new genus, Rungwesevas, marking the first significant monkey genus discovery since 1923. Current estimates suggest that only about 2,000 Kipunji monkeys survive, with a population residing in Udzungwa and sparse groups scattered across Tanzania.
Other fascinating findings in Uzungwa include the giant tree species, Tesmania Princeps, capable of reaching heights of 40 meters. This species was described as new just last year.
A local initiative, the Uzungwa Corridor, is actively restoring deforested areas by planting native trees, effectively connecting Udzungwa Mountains National Park with adjacent protected zones.
Cultivating seedlings for reforestation efforts at the Udzungwa Corridor Project. Photo by Frederic Noy/Panos
This project utilizes carbon credits to provide local residents with financial incentives for planting trees on their land. The photo above depicts a nursery where trees and other vegetation are cultivated for these essential environmental initiatives.
Many community members in the Uzungwa region also maintain beehives (see below), primarily as an additional source of income. This beekeeping practice is promoted to offset the reduced access to resources in Udzungwa Mountains National Park. Moreover, beehives are believed to discourage elephants from entering the area, as elephants sometimes migrate from nearby regions, even though they do not inhabit the park itself.
Beehives strategically placed along a fence to deter elephants. Photo by Frederic Noy/Panos
Sugarcane stands as a primary agricultural crop in this vibrant region. The image below showcases a truck transporting freshly harvested sugarcane amidst the picturesque backdrop of the Uzungwa Mountains, with part of Mitsui Falls visible as well.
Trucks transporting sugarcane against the backdrop of the Uzungwa Mountains. Photo by Frederic Noy/Panos
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Source: www.newscientist.com
