Central Zambezian Miombo Woodlands

This ecological region of Zambia is a dense forest that cuts across Central Africa, and is one of the largest ecological zones in Africa. The area covers the northern part of Zambia and stretches through to Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, Burundi, and Malawi. The region is characterized by plateaus and poor soil, tropical climate, and long dry seasons lasting around seven months. This ecological region is also a home to a wide range of wildlife including miombo flora of tall trees and grassland underneath. There are also evergreen trees. The grassland sustains several mammals including black rhinos, antelopes, buffaloes, and elephants. Some large carnivores, including lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, and wild dogs, are also found in this region. Bush meat hunting and poaching of rhinos and elephants are the most common threats facing the wildlife in the region. Fires and clearing of the region for human settlement are also common.