The South Pare Mountains form part of the Eastern Arc biodiversity hotspot, an area globally recognised for its high levels of endemism and ongoing threats from habitat loss, deforestation, agricultural expansion, and climate change. Local communities rely heavily on natural resources from these forests, which intensifies pressure on fragile habitats. As a result, narrowly distributed species like O. pareense may already be experiencing population declines, yet remain invisible to both conservation science and policy.

This project will address these gaps by conducting systematic field surveys in and around Gonja Forest Reserve to assess the species’ distribution, habitat preferences, and relative abundance. It will also collect ecological data to understand its life cycle, host plant associations, and role in the ecosystem; identify and document the key threats facing the species and its habitat, including land-use changes, pesticide use, and human disturbance; and build local awareness by engaging with surrounding communities through workshops, school programs, and participatory discussions that highlight the importance of insect biodiversity and forest conservation.

The overall aim is to provide the first comprehensive ecological assessment of O. pareense and to raise its conservation profile both locally and internationally. By generating baseline data, the project will create a platform for future monitoring, inclusion in Red List assessments, and integration into broader forest management strategies. At the same time, community engagement will foster stewardship of the South Pare Mountains’ unique biodiversity and promote coexistence between people and nature. Ultimately, this project will act as a stepping stone toward ensuring the long-term survival of this little-known grasshopper species while contributing to the protection of one of Tanzania’s most irreplaceable ecosystems.