6 Endangered Animals in Zambia
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Loading... - Rose Kendi
- 10 Oct 2024
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Zambia, renowned for its rich biodiversity, is home to numerous endangered species. The country’s forests, wetlands, and protected areas serve as refuges for wildlife, but human activities and environmental threats have placed many species at risk. Here are six of the most endangered animals native to Zambia:
1. Southeastern Black Rhinos
The southeastern black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis minor), also called the south-central or lesser black rhino, is critically endangered, with only about 1,225 individuals left in the wild. Once extinct in Zambia, they were reintroduced to North Luangwa National Park in 2003. Despite intense protection efforts, poaching continues to threaten this species.
2. Pangolins
Pangolins, small, insect-eating mammals covered in protective scales, are among the most trafficked animals globally. Two species, the endangered white-bellied pangolin (Phataginus tricuspis) and the vulnerable Temminck’s pangolin (Smutsia temminckii), are found in Zambia. Illegal hunting for their scales and habitat destruction are pushing these shy creatures toward extinction.
3. Zambian Yellow Warblers
Zambian yellow warblers (Calamonastides bensoni) inhabit the papyrus swamps near Lake Mweru. With fewer than 10,000 left in the wild, these birds are vulnerable to habitat loss due to the draining of wetlands for agriculture. Fires also pose a significant threat to their limited populations.
4. Zambian Barbets
Zambian barbets (Lybius chaplini), also known as Chaplin’s barbets, are small, white birds recognized by their red facial feathers. Found only in Zambia’s open woodlands, they rely heavily on fig trees for nesting. With about 5,200 left, habitat loss from tree clearance for agriculture is their main threat.
5. Kafue Lechwes
The Kafue lechwe (Kobus leche kafuensis) is an endangered antelope species found in the Kafue Flats wetlands. Human activities, such as dam construction, livestock grazing, and settlement expansion, have altered much of their habitat. Only around 20,000 Kafue lechwes remain in the wild.
6. African Savannah Elephants
Once numbering 160,000, Zambia’s population of African savannah elephants (Loxodonta africana) has dwindled to about 22,000. These elephants are endangered due to rampant poaching for ivory and habitat fragmentation. The fragmentation has led to increased human-wildlife conflict as elephants encroach on human settlements.
Conclusion
These species represent a small fraction of Zambia’s biodiversity but highlight the urgent need for conservation. Habitat protection, anti-poaching initiatives, and efforts to mitigate human-wildlife conflict are critical to preserving Zambia’s endangered wildlife.
