Conceptualising the hydrology of tropical wetlands to aid habitat management in northern Zambia

Climate change and human population increase may potentially negatively impact river systems and associated biodiversity and ecosystem services related benefits in sub-Saharan tropical countries. Kasanka National Park, Zambia, provides valuable freshwater habitats for rare species and valuable income to local communities through ecotourism. A hydrological study was carried out (2006-2008) utilising tracers to investigate hydrological pathways, and potential threats to the freshwater habitats. Spatial and temporal variability in terms of hydrological tracers was seen across the park, with varying importance of rainfall inputs to different habitats, and dependent upon preceding wet season levels of precipitation. The findings should be developed further to aid management of habitats and water resources from both a nature conservation and sustainable human livelihood perspective.