Covering more than 2,600,000 ha, Kafue Flats Biosphere Reserve cuts across various districts of archaeological and historical significance, as well as a Ramsar site and an Important Bird Area. It hosts over 400 species of birds and several mammals, such as zebra, buffalo, hippo and the endemic Kafue lechwe. It is inhabited mostly by Ila/Balundwe, transhumant pastoralists who also practice fishing and agriculture. The area has the largest population of livestock in the country with herds of up to 4,000 cattle grazing in its floodplains during the dry season. In the wet season, most communities retreat from the Kafue Flats to permanent villages on the edge and outside the biosphere reserve. This traditional 'kuwila' method of livestock production is practiced on customary land as the floods recede from July to November.

Fishing village on the banks of the Kafué River, Kafué Flats Biosphere Reserve, ZambiaCourtesy of International Crane Foundation

Wattled Cranes in Kafue Flats Biosphere Reserve, ZambiaCourtesy of International Crane Foundation/Blaser

Lioness in Kafue Flats Biosphere Reserve, ZambiaCourtesy of International Crane Foundation

Kafue Flats Biosphere Reserve, ZambiaCourtesy of International Crane Foundation