Lost forest reveals new species
8 August 2007
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An expedition to a remote forest in the Democratic Republic of Congo has uncovered six new animal species.
Conservationists discovered one new bat species, a new rat and two new species each of shrews and frogs.
The region, which is in eastern DR Congo, near Lake Tanganyika, has been off limits to researchers since 1960 because of instability in the area.
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Of the two new amphibian species discovered, one, a small bright green frog, is in the Hyperolius genus, the other, a 1-2cm-long black frog may belong to a completely new genus.
The conservationists believe they might also have found several new plant species in the forested region, which includes the Misotshi-Kabogo Forest.
The expedition’s botanists were unable to identify about 10% of the new plant samples they collected. The specimens will now be examined by specialists to confirm if they represent new species.
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The survey found that many species of birds, reptile and amphibians were living in the forest.
It also revealed larger mammals including chimpanzees, bongos (a type of antelope), buffalo, elephants, leopards and several species of monkey were present, although at lower numbers than expected, possibly because of poaching.
The researchers believe the forest contains such rich animal life because of its isolated nature and few inhabitants
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Dr James Deutsch, director of the wildlife organisation’s Africa Program, said: “The survey has found that the Misotshi-Kabogo region is biologically important enough to conserve in the form of a protected area.
“Since few people live there, it would be relatively easy to create a park while supporting the livelihoods of people who live in the landscape.”
 
Six new animal species, including this frog and bat, were found in the fores.
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