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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.
© Martin HARVEY / WWF
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
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.
© WWF / Martin Harvey
© Martin HARVEY / WWF
Where is Miombo?
Facts & Figures
- Covering around 2.4 million km2, the Miombo Woodlands span across parts of: Angola, Botswana, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
- Some of the major rivers in southern, central and eastern Africa rise in areas covered by Miombo woodland, most notably the Zambezi River.
- Miombo is the Swahili word for Brachystegia, a genus of tree comprising a large number of species.
- About 70% of energy consumed in southern Africa is in the form of fuelwood or charcoal.
- Soils of the Miombo woodlands are generally nutrient-poor.
- The mean annual rainfall ranges from 650-1400mm, most it falling in one season.