Using satellite photographs from Google Earth, U.K. scientists have located and explored an uncharted highland forest in Mozambique, discovering several new species in the 17,000-acre woodland. A scientist working for the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew was using Google Earth images to search for virgin forest above 5,400 feet in southern Africa when he discovered an unexplored swath of green
encompassing Mount Mabu in Mozambique. The Royal Botanic Gardens sent an expedition to the area this fall with 28 scientists and 70 porters and discovered an area rich in biodiversity and new species. To date, the scientists have identified three new species of Lepidoptera butterfly and a new member of the highly poisonous Gaboon viper family. In addition they found a wide array of previously known species, including duiker antelope, samango monkeys, elephant shrews, 200 types of butterflies, and thousands of plants. The untouched areas around Mount Mabu are increasingly under threat as residents log and clear the land for agriculture.
RBG Kew