<p>In the mountains of Latakia, Syria, Mudar Salimeh devotes much of his time to searching for butterflies. A geologist, artist, and nature lover, Mudar's fascination with butterflies began in the spring of 2018 when a great number of caterpillars appeared in his art studio. Over time, the caterpillars transformed into a cloud of white butterflies, sparking Mudar's quest to find and document these beautiful, elusive creatures.</p><p>Syria's civil war has caused extensive ecological damage, affecting far more than just human lives. Then, in February 2023, an earthquake struck the region of Latakia.</p><p>Spring 2024 arrives and butterflies start to emerge, we join Mudar as he creates an encyclopedia of the different butterfly species in Western Syria - a task made challenging by the shadows of war.</p><p>Photo credit: Mudar Salimeh
From his blog: https://syrianbutterflies.wordpress.com/</p><p>Field Recordings by Mudar Salimeh
Music by Samer Saem Eldahr a.k.a. Hello Psychaleppo
https://www.psychaleppo.com/
Lepidoptera Sound Recordings: Maria Brænder</p><p>Produced by Nanna Hauge Kristensen
A Falling Tree production for BBC Radio 4</p>
