Hello again!
I chose another interesting topic this week, if I do say so myself. It's all about bugs and it's all about how a civil war in Mozambique affected the insects within its borders.
See that green country on the globe? That's Mozambique.
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Did you know it was there? If yes, you're a lot smarter than me. When I first saw the photo essay about the insects in Mozambique, I hoped it was an African country because the topic looked like something I'd be interested in. Not that I like bugs, because I absolutely do not. I am the destroyer of all things with wings (except birds, butterflies, ladybugs...yep, that's about it). However, despite my antipathy towards the bugs of the world, the fact that a war in Mozambique had such a unique impact intrigued me.
First, a little background on Mozambique (courtesy of Wikipedia):
It all started when a new president was elected, and thus a new government, who apparently had a great liking for the liberation movements occurring in Zimbabwe and South Africa. So much of a liking that he harbored them in spite of the dangers of doing so. This didn't set well with the goverments of Zimbabwe and South Africa, so they financed a rebel group forming in Mozambique called the Mozambique National Resistance. From 1977 to 1992, a civil war was fought between the current government (Marxist) and the rebel group (Anti-Communist). By the end of this civil war, about one million citizens of the country had died and many more had either moved away or been displaced. In addition to this human suffering, much wildlife suffering had taken place.
Observe.
Mind is blown, yes? Who knew bugs were so cool! But back on topic, these poor creatures were affected by manmade problems, particularly in a national park called the Gorongosa National Park. In an effort to gain more awareness of the problem, and the solution to the problem, American scientists from Harvard created these fantastic photos to document what amazing insects Mozambique has to offer.
Now, I'm obviously not giving the whole story, for either the civil war in Mozambique or the damage done to the wildlife there. However, I hope I've given you enough of a tase to want to go exploring on your own. Here's a link to start you off!
TTFN
Meghan
It's amazing how diverse bugs are and how effected they are by a war. Because bugs are so diverse, it is clear that they adapted to the area of Mozimbique and have adopted it as their own environment. With their habitat being destroyed by war, they have no where to go....hence the lost of diversity in the insects. It's sad to lose species diversity for an issue that indirectly effects it. Just goes to show the powerful impact of conflict around the world and just how many unspoken consequences there are.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with Lucinda that the destruction by war has a stronger impact on the environment and health. The nature of air, water and soil are polluted, man and animal are killed, and numerous health affects occur among those still living. I feel quite sad to see how we live in a world where human beings promote armed conflicts, instead of further developing co-operation.
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