Zambezi Delta

Marromeu
Marromeu
Zambezi
Marromeu
Zambezi
Marromeu
Zambezi
Zambezi

Zambezi Delta

  • Country: 
    Mozambique
  • Site number: 
    1391
  • Area: 
    3,171,172 ha
  • Designation date: 
    03-08-2004
  • Coordinates: 
    17°59'S 36°00'E
Materials presented on this website, particularly maps and territorial information, are as-is and as-available based on available data and do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Secretariat of the Ramsar Convention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area, or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.

Overview

Characterized by a broad flat alluvial plain with vast mosaics of tropical grassland, palm, thicket, woodland, deep water swamp, and some of the most extensive mangrove communities on the East African coast, the Zambezi Delta is a unique wetland and one of the most diverse and productive river delta systems in the world. A recognized global biodiversity conservation hotspot, the Delta is home to a significant population of large mammals including the African buffalo, elephant, hippopotamus, lion and leopard, and a large concentration of waterbird species including white-backed and pink-backed pelicans, herons, flamingos, egrets, African fish eagles, storks, Caspian terns, wattled cranes and endangered grey crowned cranes. Bottlenose and humpback dolphins and a variety of marine and freshwater fish and shellfish species have also been recorded in the Site. In addition to the rich biodiversity values, the Site provides a wealth of ecosystem services which are vital to food security and socio-economic development in Mozambique. It also provides hydrological functions including coastal protection, flood control and carbon sequestration. The major threat to the Zambezi Delta is the construction of dams for hydroelectric power.

Administrative region: 
Sofala / Zambezia Province

  • National legal designation: 
    • Forest reserve - Reserva Floresta de Nhampacué and R.F. de Inhamitanga, Reserva Florestal de Derre
    • Game reserve - Mahimba Game Reserve
    • Hunting concessions - Coutada Oficial no. 10, 11, 12, and 14
    • Protected area - Reserva Especial de Marromeu
  • Last publication date: 
    23-10-2015

Downloads

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