Biodiversity Conservation

The 6,000km2 Bangweulu Wetlands ecosystem consists of floodplains, seasonally flooded grasslands, miombo woodlands, and permanent swamps fed by the Chambeshi, Luapula, Lukulu, and Lulimala rivers, a vast and lush wetland landscape. Since African Parks began partnering with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) in 2008, populations of many species – including the iconic sitatunga, black lechwe and shoebill – have recovered.

As the wetlands are home to over 400 bird species including 10% of the world’s wattled crane population, Bangweulu has been designated an “Important Bird Area” by BirdLife International and a “Wetlands of International Importance” under the RAMSAR Convention.

The critically endangered shoebill is found in Bangweulu © Mana Meadows

Since 2008, an effective conservation strategy including and translocations and ongoing monitoring has helped repopulate areas that were previously depleted of wildlife, from impala to zebra, puku, waterbuck and serval. In order to increase their genetic diversity, 95 buffalo were translocated from South Luangwa National Park in 2019. Cheetah were reintroduced in 2020 and 2021 to help restore the landscape in a collaborative effort between the DNPW, African Parks, Endangered Wildlife Trust, Ashia Cheetah Conservation and National Geographic.

The Shoebill Management Plan came to fruition in 2022 with the completion of a captive rearing and rehabilitation facility – the first of its kind for shoebills. With support from the African Wildlife Conservation Foundation and Ashia Cheetah Conservation, the facility, equipped with state-of-the-art incubators and brooders, supports every stage of the chicks’ development. 

In the field, the community-based Shoebill Guard Programme employs local fishermen to act as guardians, ensuring the safety of shoebill nests, while researchers utilise camera traps to monitor the progress of eggs, chicks, and fledglings. In 2024, of the 21 shoebill nests recorded, 16 were guarded under the Nest Protection Programme, helping to better understand the species’ reproductive success and providing financial incentives for fishermen to appreciate shoebill remaining in the area. Since fewer chicks were rehabilitated during the year than the target goal, the programme has been strengthened by incorporating the support of traditional leaders as well as engaging the youth: a field trip to the centre empowered students and youth groups to become active conservation advocates. 

Bangweulu is home to a significant population of endemic black lechwe, listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. The population has increased steadily since 2008, as revealed by the large mammal surveys that have taken place annually. These have also shown regular increases in populations of sitatunga, southern reedbuck, tsessebe, and oribi. Nearly 60 active camera traps are helping to improve wildlife monitoring in remote and inaccessible areas. 

Park rangers patrolling the Bangweulu Wetlands © Mana Meadows

In conservation management planning, Community Resource Boards (CRBs), DNPW, and Bangweulu Wetlands representatives all participate in animal quota setting workshops, to ensure that sustainable wildlife management strategies align with local needs and ecological requirements. The development of the fishery management plan, coupled with an informed and active local community role, has strengthened the region’s sustainability framework. With fishing being one of the main sources of revenue and protein for Bangweulu’s communities, it is essential that this resource is protected in a way that allows people to harvest without depleting supplies. The plan and its community engagement programmes continue to promote fishery regulations which have enhanced compliance with the fishing ban, and reduced the use of mosquito nets to catch fish. 

With continuing efforts in community engagement and awareness discussions, along with those of the conservation law enforcement team, illegal hunting has substantially decreased across all chiefdoms since 2008. The team has focused on harnessing potential and building capacity, as well as human rights training and specialist training.