Mwabvi Wildlife Reserve

The Mwabvi Wildlife Reserve is the smallest wildlife reserve in Malawi, covering approximately 135 km² (52 mi²) in the Nsanje District near the southernmost tip of the country.^[1] It includes a portion of the Matundwe Range, which forms part of the border with Mozambique, and is situated near the Shire River lowlands. The park's elevation is between 150 m (492 ft) and 400 m (1,312 ft) above sea level.^[2] It is located near Lengwe National Park and Majete Wildlife Reserve.

Mwabvi Wildlife Reserve
IUCN category IV (habitat/species management area)
Location	Nsanje District, Malawi
Coordinates	16°40′S 35°0′E
Area	135 km2
Established	1953 extended 1975
Governing body	Department of National Parks and Wildlife

The Mwabvi Wildlife Reserve features a wide variety of habitats including mopane, combretum, and dry brachystegia woodland, as well as open savanna, dambo, sandstone hills, and riverine areas.

Project African Wilderness, a nonprofit organization, was formed to protect and restore the Mwabvi Wildlife Reserve in coordination with local communities.^[3][4] In February 2007, the organization signed a management agreement with Malawi's Department of National Parks and Wildlife to take over the conservation and development of the park.^[5]

Wildlife

In the past, Mwabvi supported a greater collection of wildlife than it currently does. In the mid-20th century, it was the last stronghold of Malawi’s black rhinoceros population.^[6] The reserve was once home to all of Africa’s “Big Five” game animals, but decades of heavy poaching dramatically reduced its megafauna population.^[7] Black rhinos were completely eliminated; elephants and lions disappeared from Mwabvi by the late 20th century. Today, only a remaining population of Cape buffalo represents the Big Five in the reserve.^[8] Poaching remains a serious threat to Mwabvi's wildlife.

Several antelope species and other small to mid-sized mammals are commonly found in the reserve. These include small herds of nyala, sable antelope, greater kudu, impala, suni, and common duiker.^[9] Warthogs, baboons, and vervet monkeys are also present.

Larger predators are infrequently observed in the reserve. Leopards, spotted hyenas, jackals, and servals have been recorded, but only in very low numbers.^[10] There are no resident lion prides, although lions from neighboring Mozambique have been seen.^[1][2]

Mwabvi has a diverse bird population, and over 270 bird species have been documented in the reserve.^[11] Notable birds include the Woodward’s batis, double-collared sandgrouse, and black-tailed grey waxbill, among hundreds of other species adapted to the dry woodland and savanna habitat.^[12] Birdwatching is a tourist attraction at the site.^[13]