Luambe National Park
P.O. Box 111,
Mfuwe
Zambia

Luambe National Park, Luangwa Valley
Zambia

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Habitats:

Miombo woodland covers most of Zambia, occurring on the country's main plateau and the escarpments along its edges. Here, the soils are acidic and of low fertility, often having been leached of nutrients by rainwater running off to lower ground. Miombo woodland consists of wooded areas interspersed with open spaces, which themselves are dotted with islands of trees and shrubs. It is a broad-leafed habitat, deciduous to a degree that is largely dependent on the availability of water. Overhead, the canopy is quite open, and generally does not interlock.

Lower down in the valleys, where conditions are hotter and drier, mopane woodland becomes dominant. The mopane tree (Colophospermum mopane) is very tolerant of poor draining and alkaline (high lime content) soils, as well as soils with a high clay content. Typically reaching around 18m in height, in rich alluvial soils it can attain 25m. Shorter trees become the norm in areas lacking in nutrients, or where extensive fire damage has occurred, and stunted growth scrub of about 5m may be formed. This is a habitat of even sparser ground cover, with isolated bushes, herbaceous species and thin grasses. There is less species diversity than in miombo woodland, and the mopane trees themselves represent an important food resource. Their deciduous leaves turn beautiful hues of reds and yellows before falling from the trees in September-October. These leaves are rich in protein and phosphorous, and much of this value is retained when on the ground, making them highly favoured by browsing animals.

Riparian (riverine) forests line the banks of many rivers in Zambia, including the Luangwa. Here, species such as ebony, natal mahogany, the sausage tree and various species of fig trees occur, thinning rapidly as you leave the river behind. The Luangwa River's extensive flood plains change throughout the year as the water level fluctuates. As the flood recedes, lagoons remain adjacent to the main river channel, providing a water source for animals and birds throughout the dry season. This helps in maintaining a diversity of species that would be less abundant if the lagoons weren't present. Indeed, this combination of water and land represents a very special ecosystem with a constantly changing topography that makes it a delight to visit.

 


 Inhabitants:

 

It is estimated that 300 – 400 bird species ( including martial eagle, fish eagle, Pel’s fishing owl, various bee eater species, ground hornbill, vulture species, etc.) live in and around this area. Apart from the absence of black rhinos, the area is famous for its abundance of species. In Luambe N. P. elephants, hippos, lions, leopards, hyena, genet, buffalos, eland, zebras, puku, bushbuck, Lichtenstein’s hartebeest, Cooksons Wildebeest, African Wild Dogs, waterbuck, impala, and warthog can be seen, along with a large number of other species. Giraffes are not often seen in Luambe, but roam occasionally in and around the Park.

Mopane Moth (Imbrasia belina) 

The Mopane moth is a large insect, with a 12 cm wing span, although this is extremely variable. The wings vary from shades of fawn brown to red, and even green. An orange eye spot is located on each hind wing, and the eye spots on the main wings are isolated by dual bands of black and white. The larvae are covered in round scales of indistinct patternage, and are armed with short spines. The larvae feed on a wide variety of plants, and are themselved preyed upon by birds and various mammal species, including humans*. These moths can lay eggs that will become two broods over the year, although in drier areas they tend to lay one 'set'. They exhibit an interesting lifecycle, starting as eggs laid in a single group by the female over a period of about 8 weeks. 10 days later the larvae emerge, passing through five stages before pupation is entered. In the first 3 stages the caterpillars are very gregarious, gathering in groups of between 20 to 200 individuals. Upon entering the fourth development stage, they become solitary, and in the fifth they burrow down into the soil. The adult stage following emergence from the pupae lasts only two or three days. During this time the sole objective of the insect is to find a mate and breed: Adults do not even eat.

[*These "mopane worms" form an important element of local food provision in certain areas. This harvesting has led to a reduction of this species in many places, and yet harvested sustainably Imbrasia belina could provide an important economic and educational resource. An interesting - though quite old - article touching on this can be read here]