Segment: Bio–Diversity: Gorongosa National Park
Presenter: Trevor Cochrane & Nigel Ruck
Date: 2nd December 2018

The work being done by the Carr Foundation at the Gorongosa Wildlife National Park isn’t solely limited to managing the park’s environment, as they have sponsored some significant research into the animals and their ecology.

• The Edward O. Wilson Laboratory is a research facility that is helping to establish a base scientific foundation to care for the future animals of the park.
• The lab was specifically started to help the park in a number of ways – they generate the information required for planning and decision making, help get an understanding of bio-diversity, and help to get the message of conservation out.
• The Carr Foundation came onto the scene in around 2004, and by 2006 had accelerated its efforts. This has led to better protection in the park and a dramatic increase in the animal numbers.
• At one point, the elephant population in the park was at around 250 elephants. Currently, there are more than 600 elephants inside the park. Gorongosa also has a variety of primates, with 5 species, as well as a huge range of birds, with over 400 species documented.
• One of the most important goals at the laboratory is to develop young, Mozambiquan scientists. These young scientists are great role models, and are setting the pathway for many more to follow in their footsteps. The research centre doesn’t only educate locals either, with students from Oxford studying the ecosystem.
• As a tourist visiting the park, you have the option to tour the lab, and to learn about just what is going on behind the scenes to ensure the park’s longevity.