TROPIBIO Expedition Explores Biodiversity in Guinea Bissau's Corubal Basin

Date: February and March 2022

An expedition organized by the TROPIBIO project ventured into Guinea Bissau from February 10th to March 1st, 2022, with the aim of studying and documenting the biodiversity of the Corubal basin region. Led by Manuel Lopes Lima, PhD, the team comprised a diverse group of experts, including hydrobiologists, entomologists, biologists specializing in environmental DNA sampling, herpetologists, and graduate students from Portugal and Guinea Bissau.

The main objectives of the expedition revolved around the collection of environmental DNA samples along the Corubal River and its associated wetlands, as well as the gathering of specimens of insects, molluscs, fish, amphibians, and reptiles. This comprehensive approach aimed to establish reference molecular libraries for these understudied groups and gain insights into the biodiversity and biogeography of the Corubal region.

Throughout the expedition, the team visited 12 sites within the Corubal basin, where they meticulously collected a significant number of environmental DNA samples and various specimens. These included capsules containing environmental DNA, specimens of insects and other invertebrates, specimens of freshwater fish, and specimens of reptiles and amphibians. The collected materials are currently undergoing analysis, which will provide valuable information on the biodiversity of the Corubal region, shed light on its biogeography, and emphasize the river's significance for conservation efforts in the area.

In conjunction with the expedition, the Chimbo Foundation, a Dutch NGO dedicated to the protection of chimpanzees in West Africa, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with CIBIO/BIOPOLIS in 2022 to formalize their cooperation in the study of chimpanzees in Guinea Bissau. As part of this collaborative effort, a mission was conducted from February 10th to March 1st, 2022, in Guinea Bissau. The expedition allowed for the exchange of knowledge and expertise between the TROPIBIO team and the Chimbo Foundation, contributing to a broader understanding of the region's biodiversity and conservation needs.

The TROPIBIO expedition to Guinea Bissau showcased the importance of scientific collaborations and interdisciplinary approaches in advancing biodiversity research and conservation. By combining environmental DNA sampling, specimen collection, and comprehensive analyses, the team made significant strides in uncovering the richness of the Corubal basin's ecosystems. These findings will provide valuable insights for future conservation strategies and enhance our understanding of Guinea Bissau's unique biodiversity.