Gorongosa protects 3,674km² of savanna ecosystem. Much of the park’s wildlife was decimated by the Mozambican Civil War (1977-1992). Since then, scientists have studied the recovery of wildlife populations and changes in the park ecosystem. When it comes to natural hazards, scientists think that traits such as body size, dispersal ability and habitat preference may be important in determining how vulnerable animals are. But it’s seldom possible to test these ideas. The research that was taking place in Gorongosa National Park at the time of Cyclone Idai provided the perfect opportunity to investigate this.
SOURCE: THE CONVERSATION