Mwabvi Wildlife Reserve
| Mwabvi Wildlife Reserve | |
|---|---|
IUCN category IV (habitat/species management area) | |
| Location | Nsanje District, Malawi |
| Coordinates | 16°40′S 35°0′E / 16.667°S 35.000°E |
| Area | 135 km2 |
| Established | 1953 extended 1975 |
| Governing body | Department of National Parks and Wildlife |
Mwabvi Wildlife Reserve is Malawi’s smallest national park with an area of 135 km2.[1] It has a wide variety of habitats, including mopane, combretum and brachystegia woodland, as well as open savanna, dambo, and riverine areas. Mwabvi was once home to Malawi's black rhinoceros population,[2] however, both wildlife and woodland populations have been poached over recent years. Many species of antelope are present, including kudu, sable, impala and nyala. Other notable mammals in the park include leopards, hyenas and buffalo. Lions from neighboring Mozambique are regularly spotted in Mwabvi.
Mwabvi is located in Nsanje District at the southernmost point of Malawi, against the border with Mozambique. It includes a portion of the Matundwe Range, which form the border with Mozambique and the adjacent Shire River lowlands. The park lies at a low elevation and summer temperatures are extreme. Mwabvi is near the Lengwe National Park and the Majete Wildlife Reserve.
Project African Wilderness, a nonprofit organization, was formed with the express purpose of protecting and restoring the Mwabvi reserve.[3] They work with local communities to improve their livelihoods. In February 2007, Project African Wilderness signed a management agreement with the Malawi Government's Department of National Parks and Wildlife to take over the conservation and development of the park.[2]
References
- ^ Travel, Malawi. "Mwabvi Wildlife Reserve". Malawi Travel. Retrieved 2025-07-08.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ a b Briggs, Philip; Connolly, Sean (2013). Malawi. Bradt Travel Guides. p. 236. ISBN 978-1-84162-474-7.
- ^ Macdonald, Lindsey (2011-12-11). "Gaynor Asquith obituary". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2025-06-30.