Zambezi River Basin

Biodiversity

Zambezian Biome The Zambezian biome covers 95 per cent of the basin, and comprises woodland, grassland, swamp and lakes (Timberlake 2000). The climate has distinct seasons with marked dry and wet seasons. This biome is sometimes subdivided into moister areas characterized by broad- leaved miombo ( Brachystegia ) woodland, and drier areas with mopane ( Colophospermum mopane ) and/or Acacia or wattle woodland. The Zambezi basin is home to more than 6 000 species of flowering plants, 650 species of birds and 200 species of animals (Timberlake 2000). In addition, 165 species of freshwater fish are recorded in the basin and more than 500 endemic species (mostly cichlids) in Lake Malawi/Nyasa/Niassa (SARDC IMERCSA 2003). Montane Biome The Montane biome lies between 1 800 and 2 000 metres above sea level. It is cooler, wetter, often shrouded in mist, and has a much more temperate climate. Species found in this biome include grassland herbs and introduced species such as pine and wattle trees (Chenje 2000). The Zambezi River Basin is rich in biodiversity and includes four distinct biomes; the Zambezian, Congolian, Montane, and Coastal (Chenje 2000).

© Antonio Klaus Kaarsberg

The Yellow Billed Stork is one of the many birds found in the Zambezi basin.

The Congolian Biome The Congolian Biome is within the head waters of the Zambezi in northwestern Zambia and northeastern Angola. The biome has a moister and warmer climate than the rest of the plateau portion of the basin. The vegetation and wildlife species are a mix of those found in the forested Congo Basin and in the less tropical, more wooded Zambezi basin (Chenje 2000).     Coastal Biome The coastal biome is the small part of the basin in Mozambique where climate is modified by proximity to the coast, the delta area and its

© Antonio Klaus Kaarsberg

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