Mwabvi Wildlife Reserve

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 a part of the border with Mozambique) and is situated near the Shire River lowlands. The wildlife reserve sits at an elevation 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.^[3]

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

Mwabvi Wildlife Reserve features a diverse range of habitats, including mopane, Combretum, dry Brachystegia woodland, open savanna, dambo, sandstone hills, and riverine areas.

The Project African Wilderness, a nonprofit organization, was formed to conserve the Mwabvi Wildlife Reserve.^[4][5] 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 reserve.^[6] However, by 2018, Project African Wilderness had its charity status removed by the Charity Commission for England and Wales.^[5]

Wildlife

Mwabvi Wildlife Reserve previously served as a habitat to all of Africa’s “Big Five” game animals, hosting a much wider diversity of fauna than today. In the mid-20th century, the last of Malawi’s black rhinoceros population was located within the reserve.^[7] However, decades of heavy poaching have reduced Megafauna populations.^[7] By the late 20th century, black rhinoceros, elephants, and lions were extirpated from the reserve. Today, the only remaining population of Africa's "Big Five" game animals is the Cape buffalo.^[7]

Several antelope species and other small to mid-sized mammals are still commonly found in the reserve. These include small herds of Nyala, Sable antelope, Greater kudu, Impala, Suni, and Common duiker.^[8] Warthogs, baboons, and vervet monkeys also inhabit Mwabvi.

Larger predators are infrequently observed in the reserve. leopards, spotted hyenas, jackals, and servals have been recorded, but in very low numbers.^[7] There are no resident lion prides, although lions residing primarily in neighboring Mozambique have been seen in the reserve.^[1][2]

Mwabvi has a diverse bird population, with over 270 bird species documented in the reserve.^[8] Notable birds include the Woodwards' batis and Grey waxbill, among hundreds of other species adapted to the dry woodland and savanna habitat.^[8] Birdwatching is a source of tourism in the reserve.^[9]