Nyika National Park (6664)
Malawi, Africa

Site overview

KBA status: confirmed

Global KBA criteria: A1a, A1b, B1

Year of last assessment: 2024

National site name: Nyika National Park

Central coordinates: Latitude: -10.5683, Longitude: 33.8496

System: terrestrial, freshwater, freshwater

Elevation (m): 1000 to 2607

Area of KBA (km²): 3111.61146

Protected area coverage (%): 98.62

KBA classification: Global

Legacy site: Yes

Site details

Site description: Nyika National Park is located between Malawi and Zambia and spans an area of approximately 3200 km². Most of the park is in Malawi, with a small western section of approximately 70 km² in Zambia. The Nyika plateau forms part of a chain of montane massifs running parallel with the Indian Ocean coast from Ethiopia to the north to South Africa, which form a series of “biological islands” across the continent supporting a high species diversity with many endemics. The plateau occurs above the 1800m contour, which usually marks the transition zone from woodland to montane grassland and forest (Dowsett-Lemaire, 1985; Willis et al., 2001). It is characterised by undulating montane grasslands in the highlands, with perennial clear streams in the hollows.

Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area (KBA) of international significance due to its role as a habitat for both threatened and geographically restricted species. Six species trigger the KBA status for this site, including Enteromius seymouri (criterion A1b, B1), Mertensophryne nyikae (criterion B1), Hirundo atrocaerulea (criteria A1b, B1), Aeschynomene sparsiflora (criteria A1a, B1), Angraecopsis parva (criteria A1b, B1), and Cyphia brachyandra (criteria A1a, B1)

Additional biodiversity: Nyika National Park in Malawi is renowned for its rich biodiversity and dynamic ecosystems. The park encompasses the Nyika Plateau, which is significant for its rich plant diversity, hosting over 200 orchid species and several other endemic and endangered species of both flora and fauna. The plateau’s grasslands and miombo woodlands support a variety of wildlife, including large populations of antelope such as eland and roan. Additionally, Nyika National Park is a niche bird destination, holding approximately 400 out of the 650 bird species found in Malawi. The park is also home to zebras, lions, leopards, and elephants, further showcasing its incredible biodiversity.

Manageability of the site: Nyika National Park is a transboundary protected area, with the Malawian portion managed under a collaborative framework led by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW). This management involves partnerships with NGOs, local communities, and the private sector to protect wildlife, curb illegal activities, and promote conservation-compatible development. The Zambian portion of the park is managed by the Zambian Wildlife Authority (ZAWA). As part of the Malawi-Zambia Transfrontier Conservation Area (TFCA), the park benefits from cross-border coordination, with Peace Parks Foundation (PPF) serving as the TFCA’s implementing agent. In Malawi, a co-management agreement between PPF and DNPW strengthens governance, while the Nyika-Vwaza Trust (an independent trust) oversees resource management, tourism development, and conservation initiatives. Strategic efforts include enhanced law enforcement, community engagement through Natural Resource Committees (NRCs), and benefit-sharing programs to ensure local participation.

Delineation rationale: The site follows the gazetted boundary of Nyika National Park on the Malawian side.

Habitats

Summary of habitats in KBA: The vegetation at Nyika is a combination of miombo woodlands, dambos, grassland, and evergreen forest patches. The Nyika plateau is dominated by undulating montane grasslands with perennial streams in the hollow. There are a few remaining Juniper forest patches on the south eastern escarpment of the park at 2130m - 2220m. The evergreen forests of Nyika National Park occur in isolated patches at elevations above 2000m. The miombo woodland are the dominant vegetation on the dry northern escarpment and are also found on the drier western slopes and ascends to the top of the escarpment at 2050m.

Land use: Nyika National Park is managed by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) in Malawi for the conservation of biodiversity.

IUCN Habitat	Coverage %	Habitat detail
Wetlands(Inland)	0.3
Forest	7.3
Savanna	44.1
Grassland	48.3	Grassland – Subtropical/tropical high altitude

Threats

Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: High fire incidence is an issue at the Nyika National Park (Galanou, 2016). The plateau is a fire conditioned grassland with fire being used as a management tool. However, wildfires from both in and outside the park pose a conservation issue for the park. Additionally, there are fire incidences caused by poachers who set fire to attract animals to specific vegetation patches once the regeneration of vegetation occurs. The spread of Bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum) has been a pressing issue as it has spread beyond the central plateau and is forming extensive patches within the park. The coverage of bracken fern at Nyika National Park has increased over the years, with Chelinda camp being almost covered by bracken fern.

Threat level 1	Threat level 2	Threat level 3	Timing
Invasive & other problematic species, genes & diseases	Invasive non-native/alien species/diseases	Named species	Ongoing
Natural system modifications	Fire & fire suppression	Increase in fire frequency/intensity	Ongoing

Additional information

References: https://nyika-vwaza-trust.org/nyika-national-park/ Willis, C. K., Burrows, J. E., Fish, L., Phiri, P. S. M., Chikuni, A. C., & Golding, J. (2001). Developing a Greater Understanding of the Flora of the Nyika. Systematics and Geography of Plants, 71(2), 993–1008. Dowsett-Lemaire, F. (1985). The forest vegetation of the Nyika Plateau ecological and phenological studies. Bulletin Du Jardin Botanique National de Belgique / Bulletin van de National Plantentuin van België, 55(3/4), 301–392. https://doi.org/10.2307/3667960 Department of National Parks and Wildlife, 2023. General Management Plan for the Nyika National Park for the period 2023 - 2033. v + 109pp Kayuni, B. & Kennerley, R. 2024. Myosorex gnoskei. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2024: e.T45954382A209118915. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2024-2.RLTS.T45954382A209118915.en. Accessed on 20 February 2025. Sayer, C.A., Palmer-Newton, A.F. and Darwall, W.R.T. (2019). Conservation priorities for freshwater biodiversity in the Lake Malawi/Nyasa/Niassa Catchment. Cambridge, UK and Gland, Switzerland: IUCN. xii +214pp. Tweddle, D. 2018. Enteromius seymouri. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T57498955A58341121. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T57498955A58341121.en. Accessed on 21 February 2025.