E.O. Wilson Discusses the Biodiversity of Gorongosa National Park on NPR’s “Science Friday”

Last week E.O. Wilson was the featured guest on NPR’s popular “Science Friday” broadcast. Show host Ira Flatow interviewed Wilson about many of the stories and observations included in his new book, A Window to Eternity, including:

— how Gorongosa National Park in Mozambique is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet

— how the Mozambican Civil War (1977–1992) led to the loss of large animals in Gorongosa National Park, when the number of zebras went from 3300 to 12; hippos went from 3500 to 44; and wildebeests went from 6400 to 1

— what’s the key element in the restoration of Gorongosa National Park and how the recovery rate
varies enormously with the species

— the discovery of 200 species of ants in Gorongosa National Park, 25% of which are new to science

— the epic wars between ant vs. termites in Gorongosa National Park

— the opening of the E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Laboratory at Gorongosa National Park

Listen to the interview on the “Science Friday” website.