George Malembo M'manga
Nyika National Park is a globally recognised Key Biodiversity Area (KBA) and one of Malawi’s most important ecological landscapes, supporting a rich array of threatened and endemic species. Among its most iconic species is the Grey Crowned Crane (Balearica regulorum), an Endangered bird that depends on Nyika’s and surrounding wetlands for nesting and feeding. Despite its significance, little is known about the population status and habitat condition of this species within and outside the park. Increasing threats from invasive species, habitat degradation, climate change, and unsustainable resource use by surrounding communities are placing pressure on these fragile ecosystems.
This project aims to assess the population status of the Grey Crowned Crane in and around Nyika National Park and evaluate the condition of its critical wetland habitats. By doing so, it will generate essential data to guide conservation interventions such as invasive species management, wetland restoration, and fire control. The project will also record the presence of other species of conservation concern, including the Blue Swallow (Hirundo atrocaerulea), contributing to a broader understanding of ecosystem health.
A key feature of this initiative is community engagement, particularly in surrounding areas such as Mzimba and Rumphi, where local livelihoods are intertwined with the park’s natural resources. The project will promote environmental stewardship and sustainable land-use practices by involving communities in monitoring efforts. This will enhance conservation outcomes.
Led by a researcher with a background in ornithology and previous field experience in Nyika and Vwaza Marsh, the project builds on established partnerships with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW), the Wildlife and Environmental Society of Malawi (WESM), and local communities. It aligns with Malawi’s commitments to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the IUCN Red List, and regional goals under the Peace Parks initiative.
Overall, this project aims to: (1) assess the presence and population status of the Grey Crowned Crane in and around Nyika National Park, and (2) involve communities in monitoring occurrences of the species outside the reserve.