Lukanga Swamp (7192)
Zambia, Africa
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2005
National site name: Lukanga Swamp
Central coordinates: Latitude: -14.3667, Longitude: 27.7167
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 1100 to 1100
Area of KBA (km2): 3291.07294
Protected area coverage (%): 0.01
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Despite its proximity to the main railway line, this enormous wetland remains one of Zambia’s least-explored areas. It comprises swamp, open water and seasonally inundated flood-plain and access is difficult. It is part of the Kafue drainage system and, whilst it usually drains into that river, there are occasions when the reverse occurs. There is much small-scale fishing and presumably much human habitation, but further exploration is required.
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 for key species. The site is very poorly known, but is likely to be very rich in waterbirds. It almost certainly holds important numbers of Grus carunculatus (a breeding resident) and is presumably an important breeding area for many other species. Circus macrourus occurs; Gallinago media and Egretta vinaceigula have not been recorded, but are likely to occur. There have been two sightings of Balaeniceps rex, probably wandering individuals, and there is a record of the very localized Charadrius forbesi. Seven species occur that are restricted to the Zambezian biome (see Table 3). Non-bird biodiversity: Mammals known to occur include Tragelaphus spekii (LR/nt).
Habitats
Land use: fisheries/aquaculture | urban/industrial/transport
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Grassland | 20 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 75 | |
| Shrubland | 5 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: General disturbance caused by human activity is likely to be the principal threat and more specific problems may include nest-robbing at breeding colonies. However, further investigation is required.
| 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 |
| Biological resource use | Fishing & harvesting aquatic resources | Intentional use: large scale (species being assessed is the target) [harvest] | Ongoing |
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Work & other activities | Ongoing |
Additional information
References: Benson and Irwin (1967).