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Through your generous support, the Nyika-Vwaza Trust in Malawi works with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife to improve the conservation of wildlife in the Nyika National Park and the Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve.

The Nyika-Vwaza (UK) Trust will provide the funding for year on year operational costs and specific projects through the generosity of its supporters.

Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve - Fauna and Flora

Only limited research has been carried out in this Reserve.

FAUNA

Home to the widest variety of large mammal species in the country, including elephant (150), kudu, impala, buffalo, warthog and pods of hippopotamus. Limited restocking has taken place in recent years.

Listed as an IBA (Important Bird Area) with 326 species recorded. However, the marsh deserves further study as the more discreet waterbirds (e.g. crakes) are little known. The marsh is the most northerly limit of Swainson’s francolin (Francolinus swainsonii). Birds of conservation concern include the rare White-winged Starling (Neocichia gutturalis) which occurs only in this locality. Lake Kazuni is an important reservoir of fish for an otherwise over-exploited system.

FLORA

366 species of plants listed. The marsh is a floodplain comprising sedges and rank grass and is bordered by Mopane woodland (one of its most northern limits) mixed with Miombo woodland.