Like the South Luangwa National Park, its eastern boundary is the Luangwa River, while it rises to cover a stretch of the Muchinga Escarpment to the west. The Mwaleshi River flows east–west through the Centre of the park, the area to its south being a strict wilderness zone. It has generally suffered from a lack of investment and interest compared to the much more popular South Luangwa National Park.
Biodiversity
Animals. The range of birds and mammals is similar to those found in South Luangwa National Park. They include Cookson's wildebeest, Crawshay's zebra and many antelopes and birds. Poaching has been a problem, with elephant numbers declining in the 1970s and 1980s. The struggle against poaching in the park was described by Delia and Mark Owens in their book The Eye of the Elephant.[2] Populations have subsequently shown some recovery, suggesting some resolution of the problem.[3] In 2003, black rhinos were re-introduced to the park.[4] Since 2005, the park, together with South Luangwa National Park, has been considered a Lion Conservation Unit.[5]
Fungi. A survey of the park's fungi was carried out in the rainy season of 1994-1995, focusing on riverine habitats and miombo woodlands. The resulting checklist recorded 126 species from 33 families. Almost all are larger basidiomycetes (brackets, mushrooms, puffballs and toadstools), with particular emphasis on ectomycorrhizal associates of miombo trees. The total number of fungal species in the park is likely to be much higher.[6]
