The ecological unit of Lower Zambezi National Park and the Chiawa Game Management Area supports a large population of the bigger mammals: elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, hippo, waterbuck, kudu, zebra, crocodiles, impala, warthog and an increasing number of wild dog. Roan, eland and the Samango monkey are present, but rare. Nocturnal animals here are hyena, aardvark, porcupine, civet, genet and honey badger.
The bird life along the riverbanks is exceptional. Magnificent fish eagles can be seen and heard for miles around. Nesting along the cliffs are white fronted and carmine bee eaters. Other residents are the red winged pratincole, the elegant crested guinea fowl, black eagle, and vast swarms of quelea. In summer the stunning narina trogon makes its home here. Other specialities are the trumpeter hornbill, Meyer's parrot and Lillian's lovebird.
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