On a recent trip to Zinave National Park in Mozambique, Peace Parks Foundation’s Risk and Compliance Manager, Stefan van Zyl and Communications Manager, Lésa van Rooyen, head out on a morning walk. While strolling along the banks of the Save River, the pair unearth some rather interesting-looking objects that need further identification.
Luckily for them, Peace Parks’ local bush encyclopedia, Hannes van Wyk, is on hand to help put their inquisitive minds to rest.
A Freshwater Mussel
The first specimen that Hannes is presented with, is a small freshwater mussel. Washed up on the riverbank, this mollusc forms an important part of the food chain, being a favourite source of sustenance for animals such as otters. Using their paws, otters will crack them open by repeatedly bashing them against rocks.
Mussels play an important role in keeping freshwater habitats clean and healthy as they help to filter the water flowing downstream. This is done by filtering pollutants and excess nutrients from the water, all the while funnelling small bits of food into its mouth, where digestion then begins.
Mud, Glorious Mud!
With the first mystery solved in record time, Stefan goes on to present Hannes with a rather suspicious-looking object that had caught his eye while on his morning walk. After careful inspection, it turns out that this curious find was nothing more than mud that had hardened over time.
While rolling the object over in his hands, Hannes notices traces of rust inside the mud, which could be the result of a metal object getting covered in a mud layer with each passing year.
It turns out that the banks of the Save River hold many interesting secrets and, with a keen eye, can lead to some interesting discoveries.
Have A Burning Conservation Question?
Don’t forget to send in your burning conservation questions for Hannes via any one of Peace Parks TV’s social media channels. He really is a font of knowledge when it comes to all things in the natural world, so when in doubt, #AskHannes!
