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Tributes pour in after tragic death of young Mozambican scientist and entomologist in South Africa
4:35 CAT | 08 Dec 2022
Photo via Piotr Naskrecki/ Facebook
Ricardo Guta, a young Mozambican scientist and entomologist, died tragically on Friday, drowning in a deep pool in the Cederberg in the Western Cape, South Africa. The South African Police are investigating the incident.
Ricardo Guta’s body was found near the water hole on Friday.
Guta had just finished his Masters in Conservation Biology at the University of Cape Town and was in the field collecting data for his Ph.D. research at the same university.
A young Mozambican scientist, Guta was one of the drivers behind the creation of the Mozambique Bio website, and a biodiversity consultant.
Ricardo Guta’s latest Facebook post read: “A short stop at Piketberg on the way to Namaquand for some insect research.”
About a month ago, Moçambique Bio spoke to Guta, who promised to share has research findings on insects in the Catembe district.
A former teacher of Guta’s, Piotr Naskreck, left an emotional message on Facebook that we quote in full.
“Today I received the news of the untimely passing of my great friend and former student, Ricardo Guta. The world has lost one of the kindest and most inquisitive souls, a star entomologist, and a great role model for aspiring Mozambican scientists. The tragedy feels even more painful knowing that Ricardo was only days from his graduation from the University of Cape Town, about to embark on a fascinating Ph.D. project and, more importantly, celebrating the birth of his second child. Words fail me in expressing how much he will be missed.”
In 2014, Ricardo Guta received the “Best Young Scientist in Gorongosa” award from Greg Carr, president of the Gorongosa Restoration Project.
A fundraiser to help his widow and two children has been launched.
Mozambique has lost a young star scientist, already recognized worldwide.
Source: Moçambique Bio / Administração Nacional das Áreas de Conservação
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