North Swaka (7191)
Zambia, Africa
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2001
National site name: North Swaka
Central coordinates: Latitude: -13.3833, Longitude: 29.3667
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 1230 to 1893
Area of KBA (km2): 1073.30008
Protected area coverage (%): 91.11
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A poorly known area on the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, north of Mkushi town. The rocky terrain lies mainly between 1,250–1,400 m, but climbs as high as 1,893 m. The various headwaters of the Lunsemfwa system have carved gorges in the hills where strips of submontane forest occur. Several dramatic waterfalls include those on the Changwena river which are popular amongst the more adventurous tourists. The area is dominated by miombo and there are dambos at lower altitudes, but the higher levels are semi-montane, the vegetation including Podocarpus latifolius.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance because it meets one or more previously established criteria and thresholds for identifying sites of biodiversity importance (including Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas, Alliance for Zero Extinction sites, and Key Biodiversity Areas)
Additional biodiversity: See Box and Table 3 for key species. The area is rich in Zambezian biome endemics such as Stactolaema anchietae, Lanius souzae, Eremomela atricollis, Anthreptes anchietae, Plocepasser rufoscapulatus and Ploceus angolensis. Other notable species include Aquila verreauxii, Sheppardia bocagei, Myrmecocichla cinnamomeiventris and Elminia albicauda. Non-bird biodiversity: None known to BirdLife International.
Habitats
Land use: forestry | nature conservation and research | tourism/recreation | water management
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Forest | 100 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Much of the area is inhospitable and very sparsely populated, in common with neighbouring areas in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Fort Elwes is a National Monument. There is some subsistence hunting, cattle-grazing and tree-cutting. However, this and other potential threats require investigation.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural system modifications | Fire & fire suppression | Increase in fire frequency/intensity | Ongoing |
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Annual & perennial non-timber crops | Small-holder farming | Ongoing |