Covering much of central and southern Africa, the Miombo woodlands are home to elephants, rhinos, giraffes and other diverse wildlife. Although relatively intact and sparsely settled, increasing development is starting to negatively impact this unique African environment.
Miombo Woodlands, Africa
Miombo woodlands, Northeastern Zambia.
Covering much of central and southern Africa, the Miombo woodlands are a vast region of tropical grasslands, savannas and shrublands.
Named for the oak-like "miombo" trees (Brachustegia spp.) that dominate the area, the woodlands are home to some 8,500 plant species; over 300 which are trees.
They provide food and cover for a diverse range of wildlife, including antelopes, giraffes, rhinos, lions and some of the largest populations of elephants in Africa.
It is also home to millions of people, many who depend on the woodlands and natural resources for their way of life.
Although large parts of the Miombo are relatively intact, natural woodlands are being cleared to meet other land needs: agriculture, ranching and charcoal production.
Illegal hunting, especially for rhino horn and elephant ivory, are also major threats to this unique environment.
WWF is working throughout the region to conserve the woodlands and to help meet human needs and development through the sustainable use of natural resources. This includes conservation agriculture and sustainable charcoal production.
Named for the oak-like "miombo" trees (Brachustegia spp.) that dominate the area, the woodlands are home to some 8,500 plant species; over 300 which are trees.
They provide food and cover for a diverse range of wildlife, including antelopes, giraffes, rhinos, lions and some of the largest populations of elephants in Africa.
It is also home to millions of people, many who depend on the woodlands and natural resources for their way of life.
Woodlands at risk
Although large parts of the Miombo are relatively intact, natural woodlands are being cleared to meet other land needs: agriculture, ranching and charcoal production.Illegal hunting, especially for rhino horn and elephant ivory, are also major threats to this unique environment.
WWF is working throughout the region to conserve the woodlands and to help meet human needs and development through the sustainable use of natural resources. This includes conservation agriculture and sustainable charcoal production.
Millions of rural people rely on resources extracted from the woodlands, including fuelwood, charcoal, timber, thatching grass, medicines, fruits and honey.
Protecting woodlands
Large elephant herds can be found in Tanzania's Selous Game Reserve.
The Selous Game Reserve in the Miombo woodlands of southeastern Tanzania is one of Africa’s largest protected areas.
Covering an area of about 50,000km2, the reserve has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its diversity of wildlife and undisturbed nature.
WWF has been working for years with local authorities in the Selous Game Reserve to conserve elephant and rhino populations as well as other wildlife.
Covering an area of about 50,000km2, the reserve has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its diversity of wildlife and undisturbed nature.
WWF has been working for years with local authorities in the Selous Game Reserve to conserve elephant and rhino populations as well as other wildlife.
One of the biggest threats to rhinos is the continuing demand for their horns for use in traditional Chinese medicines. Black rhino, Zimbabwe.
Giraffes are also found throughout the Miombo Woodlands region.
