Zambezi River Basin

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Ecosystems

The Zambezi teak forests, shared by five of the Zambezi basin countries, and the Miombo woodlands are examples of transboundary ecosystems in the basin (SADC and SARDC 2008). Teak forests are found in the western parts of Zimbabwe and Zambia, extending into northern Botswana, northeastern Namibia and parts of southeastern Angola. The dominant tree species is the Zambezi redwood ( Baikeaea plurijuga ) and is usually found in association with Bloodwood teak ( Pterocarpus angolensis ). Msasa ( Brachystegia spiciformis ) is the other dominant species. Wet Miombo woodlands form the most extensive woody vegetation type, and cover much of Zambia, and parts of Angola, Malawi and Tanzania (Kwesha 2008). Common tree species include the Munondo ( Juibernardia species), Msasa and Pod Mahogany ( Alfzelia quanzensis ). As most of the Miombo woodlands have been converted into intensive agricultural areas, it is now difficult to find pristine woodlands.

Waterhole landscape in Zambezi National Park in Zambia.

Miombo woodlands are dominated by Brachystegia species.

The only rainforest in the Zambezi River Basin is found at Victoria Falls where it is watered with the spray from the Falls.

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