Luapula Mouth (7203)
Zambia, Africa
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: B2
Year of last assessment: 2012
National site name: Luapula Mouth
Central coordinates: Latitude: -9.7000, Longitude: 28.6333
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 900 to 900
Area of KBA (km2): 887.05625
Protected area coverage (%): 0.18
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A large area of Cyperus papyrus swamp in the lowest reaches of the Luapula river as it fans out to meet Lake Mweru. Its western boundary is the main river channel, which is also the international border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, and in the east the wetland has a well-defined edge. The tarmac Mansa–Nchelenge road runs a little way above and parallel to the shoreline, which is fairly densely populated. Within the swamp are scattered open lagoons and a network of small channels, kept navigable by fishermen and inhabitants of the larger islands.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance that meets the thresholds for at least one criterion described in the Global Standard for the Identification of KBAs.
Additional biodiversity: See Box and Table 3 for key species. The site has long been known for its isolated population of Chloropeta gracilirostris (of the distinctive race bensoni), but is otherwise little explored. Recent work has revealed that species to be widespread and not uncommon, although easily overlooked. Furthermore, Bradypterus carpalis was discovered in considerable numbers and also found to be widespread. Besides the array of larger waterbirds that may occur, characteristic swamp species include Sarothrura rufa, Centropus cupreicaudus, Merops variegatus, Tchagra minuta, Cisticola pipiens, Bradypterus baboecala, Acrocephalus rufescens, Muscicapa aquatica, Ploceus pelzelni, P. katangae (small range in Zambia) and P. melanocephalus. A second globally threatened species, Falco naumanni, occurs and is perhaps regular on passage. Non-bird biodiversity: Mammals at the site include Tragelaphus spekii (LR/nt).
Habitats
Land use: fisheries/aquaculture | hunting
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Wetlands(Inland) | 22 | |
| Grassland | 30 | |
| Shrubland | 27 | |
| Forest | 19 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: A major threat to the site is fire. Whereas most swamp-dwelling species will tolerate a lack of water, it may take months before birds return to areas that have been burnt. Trapping of birds is also widespread.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural system modifications | Fire & fire suppression | Increase in fire frequency/intensity | Ongoing |
| Biological resource use | Hunting & collecting terrestrial animals | Intentional use (species being assessed is the target) | Ongoing |
Additional information
References: Dowsett et al. (1999), Leonard and Beel (1996b, 1999).