Zambian Wildlife

Wildlife in Zambia

 

Zambia is home to the tallest, largest and some of the most iconic land mammals in the world
With plenty of water and beautiful diverse landscapes, Zambia is home to a remarkable variety of spectacular wildlife species:  over 240 mammal species; 152 species of reptiles; and 78 species of amphibians.  About 50% of our 409 plus fish species live in the massive Lake Tanganyika which is the world’s longest freshwater lake.

The Straw Coloured Fruit Bat migration, which can be seen from October to December at Kasanka National Park, is thought to be the world’s largest mammal migration when over 10 million bats descend on the Park.

The second biggest wildebeest migration in Africa takes place during the early rains at Liuwa Plains National Park.

Kafue National Park is home to 19 different species of antelope, more than any other Park worldwide, and is home to the largest concentrations of African Wild Dogs.

South Luangwa National Park is thought to have the largest density of leopards of any Park, which live alongside huge numbers of baboons, hippos and crocodiles.

Key Wildlife Species

 

Our key species play a critical role in maintaining a healthy and balanced ecosystem.  Without them many other species of plants and wildlife would not be able to survive.

If carnivores did not exist then the herbivorous would explode in numbers, wiping out dominant plant species and dramatically changing our landscape.  When elephants knock down trees they are actually making room for new grass species to grow.  Without elephants our grasslands would be taken over by woodlands and the grazers would have nothing to eat.

  • Hippo
  • African Elephant
  • Rhinoceros
  • Leopard
  • Wild Dog
  • Lion
  • Giraffe
  • Cheetah
  • Hyena