Flagship Species

Over the years BWZ has supported the conservation of bird species and their habitat in Zambia. Since the establishment of the organization, BirdWatch Zambia has committed to protecting wild species and their habitats in order to maintain healthy wildlife species or populations and to restore, protect and enhance natural ecosystems in IBAs/KBAs. To date, the BirdLife Partnership has identified and documented more than 13,000 IBAs in over 200 countries and territories worldwide, and 42 of these important areas are in Zambia. This includes 18 out of the 20 National Parks found in Zambia, showcasing a variety of avifauna, with a number of them being declared as birding hotspots (i.e., Lochinvar National Park). This network of sites is vital to the long-term viability of bird populations and is also important for other forms of wildlife. The conservation of IBAs, therefore, ensures the survival of many other animals and plants. IBAs may be considered the minimum essential to ensure the survival of many of these species across their ranges and throughout their life cycles as they provide safe habitats to rest and feed on these extraordinary journeys. There is a diverse range of activities to protect IBAs, including monitoring, research, management, restoration, public awareness, and the safeguarding and promotion of sustainable economic alternatives.