NCI 2024
    Groups
    Mammals Birds Amphibians Reptiles Myxini – Hagfishes Petromyz' – Lampreys Sharks & rays Animals Holocep' – Chimaeras Ray-finned fishes Dipneusti – Lungfish Gastropoda – Snails & slugs Coelac' – Coelacanths Insecta – Insects / bugs Arachnida – Spiders & scorpions Malacostraca – Malacostracans Diplopoda – Millipedes Bivalvia – Marine molluscs Cephalopoda – Squids & octopuses Chilopoda – Centipedes Pycnogonida – Sea spiders Merostomata – Horseshoe crabs More Classes
    Filters

    Regions

    See AllSelect

    Habitat

    See AllSelect

    Zambia boasts a rich variety of ecosystems, housing over 200 species of crustaceans, more than half of which are unique to the nation. As one of the most water-abundant countries in Africa, Zambia features five large lakes, three major rivers, at least 17 waterfalls, and numerous wetlands.

    Beyond its significant conservation areas, Zambia is rich in minerals, with copper mining in the north playing a crucial role in the country’s economy. The forests are not only vital for maintaining ecological balance but also serve as an important economic resource, enhancing local livelihoods. Particularly for the rural poor, these forests are critical biodiversity reserves and provide essential resources for sustenance.

    Score Rank Change
    Total Score – NCI 2024 61.89 22 N/A
    Land Management 70 17 N/A
    Protected Areas (Terrestrial) 100 1 N/A
    Ecological Representativeness of Terrestrial Protected Areas 59 78 N/A
    Connectedness of Terrestrial Protected Areas 73 19 N/A
    Protected Areas (Marine)
    Pristine Habitat (Converted Land) 100 118 N/A
    Sustainable Nitrogen Management (Soil Pollution) 24 135 N/A
    Sustainable Pesticide Use 66 38 N/A
    Threats to Biodiversity 80 11 N/A
    Threatened Species (Terrestrial) 92 48 N/A
    Threatened Species (Marine)
    Threatened Species’ Coverage by Protected Areas 83 121 N/A
    Species Coverage by Marine Protected Areas
    Species with Declining Populations (Terrestrial) 49 20 N/A
    Species with Declining Populations (Marine)
    Depleted Fisheries
    Fishery Pressure in the High Seas
    Invasive Species Pressure 97 76 N/A
    Capacity and Governance 58 131 N/A
    Total Management Cost 51 167 N/A
    Conservation Culturomics 57 33 N/A
    Conservation Legislation 28 145 N/A
    Ratification of CBD 100 1 N/A
    Ratification of CITES 100 1 N/A
    Political Stability and Absence of Violence 50 63 N/A
    Control of Corruption 40 108 N/A
    Government Effectiveness 36 126 N/A
    Future Trends 39 110 N/A
    Climate Change Mitigation 39 110 N/A


    Four pillars elaborated:

    Land Management

     Zambia’s protected area system includes National Parks, bird sanctuaries, Game Management Areas (GMAs), game ranches, forest reserves, botanical reserves, and national heritage sites. The country has 19 National Parks, covering over 6.358 million hectares (63,580 km²), dedicated to biodiversity conservation and promoting eco-tourism while prohibiting settlements and hunting. Two bird sanctuaries offer similar protection but on a smaller scale. GMAs, numbering 34 and covering about 16.57 million hectares (160,570 km²), regulate hunting through licensing and allow other land uses like agriculture.

    Private entities operate 28 game ranches, which conserve 26 species, mainly ungulates, and provide substantial economic benefits through both consumptive and non-consumptive wildlife uses. The 432 forest reserves, encompassing 7.4 million hectares (74,000 km²), are aimed at sustainable local use and major catchment and biodiversity protection, with strict regulations on settlements and plant removal. Additionally, 59 botanical reserves serve to preserve specific vegetation types and species, support breeding programs, and monitor human impacts, covering 148,000 hectares (1,480 km²).

    Threats to Biodiversity

     In Zambia, forest reserves are under threat due to various factors including mining in the North-Western Province, shifting cultivation in the north, and conversion to agriculture in the east, central, and southern regions. Additional challenges like bush fires, timber overexploitation, and invasive species further degrade these forests. National parks and game areas face encroachment, illegal poaching, and habitat degradation from activities like farming and charcoal production.

    Despite regulations requiring environmental assessments, some mining activities still occur without proper licenses. Birds and aquatic life also suffer from habitat loss, environmental changes, and poor practices in fields such as aquaculture, exacerbating the biodiversity crisis in these ecosystems.

    Capacity and Governance

     Zambia has strengthened its environmental governance with several key legislative acts. The Environmental Management Act of 2011, serving as the cornerstone environmental legislation, mandates rigorous Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEA) for large-scale development projects. The Wildlife Act is currently under review, the revised Forest Policy was approved in 2014, and the Forest Bill was passed in 2015.

    Additionally, a National Heritage Policy is being formulated. Despite the Mines and Minerals Development Act of 2012 promoting mineral development even within protected areas, the 2013 Mining Policy advocates for sustainable development. The Water Resources Management Act and Fisheries Act, both enacted in 2011, further underscore Zambia’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

    On the biotechnology front, Zambia maintains a cautious stance on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), aligning with the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. The Biotechnology and Biosafety Policy established in 2003, along with the Biosafety Act of 2007, guide the regulation of GMOs through the National Biosafety Authority Board, inaugurated in 2015. This board oversees all GMO-related activities, including research and imports. Two local laboratories support this effort by detecting GMOs. Additionally, Zambia has developed a REDD+ Strategy for forest conservation and launched the Zambian Agriculture Research Institute to research the genetic diversity of crops, though it has not commenced the growing of GMOs.

    Future Trends

     By 2025, Zambia aims for its biodiversity to be valued, conserved, restored, and sustainably utilized to maintain ecosystem services, support a healthy environment, and provide crucial benefits for all Zambians and the national economy. This vision is structured around five strategic goals, 18 targets, and 45 strategic interventions. The goals include integrating biodiversity considerations across all levels of government and society, reducing direct pressures on biodiversity and promoting its sustainable use, improving biodiversity status by protecting ecosystems, species, and genetic diversity, enhancing the benefits derived from biodiversity and ecosystem services for all and strengthening implementation through inclusive planning, effective knowledge management, and capacity building.


    Biodiversity

    The majority of Zambia’s landscape is dominated by savannas and grasslands, which are home to a variety of wildlife. Notable national parks like South Luangwa, Kafue, and Lower Zambezi are famous for their diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife. These parks support large populations of elephants, buffaloes, zebras, and various antelope species. Predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs are also commonly found in these regions. The savannas and grasslands are characterized by a mix of grass species and scattered trees, such as acacias and baobabs, which provide essential habitats for many animals.

    Zambia’s wetlands and river systems are vital for the country’s biodiversity. The Zambezi River, one of the major rivers in Africa, along with its tributaries, including the Kafue and Luangwa rivers, are crucial water sources that support a variety of aquatic and terrestrial species. The Barotse Floodplain, one of the largest wetlands in Zambia, is an important habitat for fish, birds, and other wildlife. The wetlands and floodplains along these rivers provide critical breeding and feeding grounds for waterbirds, including herons, storks, and egrets. Victoria Falls, one of the largest and most famous waterfalls in the world, is part of the Zambezi River and a significant natural landmark.

    In the table below are the number of known species in several main groups, how many of these species are Threatened with extinction, and how many of them are Endemic (unique to Zambia only):


    Species
    (World rank)    		 Threatened % Threatened Endemic % Endemic
    Mammals 260 (#37) 13 5.0% 7 2.7%
    Birds 734 (#32) 22 3.0% 3 0.4%
    Reptiles 192 (#49) 3 1.6% 14 7.3%
    Amphibians 91 (#39) 2 2.2%
    Fishes 417 (#134) 22 5.3% 42 10.1%
    Plants 3,788 (#93) 23 0.6% 211 5.6%


    Go To 2024 National Nature Conservation Index Main Page

    Zambia

    A wildlife haven in the wild heart of Africa

    Score:

    61.89 / 100

    Rank:

    22 / 180