Bangweulu Wetlands Survey

The bi-annual aerial survey of Bangweulu wetlands was undertaken this year between 20 – 25 April, with a total of 7,400km2 surveyed over the 5-day period.

While the previous survey of Bangweulu was carried out at the end of the dry season, this year’s survey was designed to estimate wildlife distributions at the end of the rainy season. Although population estimates are not comparable between surveys conducted in different seasons, it is useful to have some understanding of wet season distribution patterns. This is especially necessary as many species have distinct wet and dry season ranges.

Bangweulu Wetland is home to several species amongst which the near-endemic black lechwe (Kobus leche smithemani) and the elusive shoebill (Balaeniceps rex), both of which are classified as "Vulnerable” (IUCN 2010). Four species were encountered in numbers large enough to allow for reliable population estimates. The black lechwe population was estimated to be 75,703 animals strong, a significant increase from the previous count. Populations of sitatunga (Tragelaphus spekei), reedbuck (Redunca arundinum) and oribi (Ourebia ourebi) were estimated at 278; 146 and 230 respectively. Furthermore, 33 shoebills were counted resulting in a population estimate of 131 individuals and 150 wattled cranes (Grus carunculata) were counted suggesting a population estimate of 689 birds. One spotted hyaena (Crocuta crocuta) and a single side-striped jackal (Canis adustus) represented the only carnivores counted.

Black lechwe and wattled crane were shown to congregate towards the central region, whereas the distribution of shoebill was more closely associated with the swamp and floodplain areas.