Chimanimani National Park (Mozambique) Explained

Chimanimani National Park
Alt Name:Parque Nacional de Chimanimani
Iucn Category:II
Iucn Ref:[1]
Map:Mozambique
Relief:yes
Coordinates:-19.795°N 33.0892°W
Area Km2:656
Designation:National park
Designated:2003 (national reserve), 2020 (national park)
Administrator:National Administration of Conservation Areas (ANAC)

Chimanimani National Park (Portuguese: Parque Nacional de Chimanimani) is a protected area next to Chimoio, capital of Manica Province in Mozambique. It is located in the Chimanimani Mountains on the border with Zimbabwe. Together with Zimbabwe's Chimanimani National Park, it forms the Chimanimani Transfrontier Park.[2] It was designated a national reserve in 2003. In 2020 it was designated a national park.[3]

Geography

With an area of 656 km2,[1] the park protects the Mozambican portion of the Chimanimani Mountains, including Monte Binga (2,436 m), Mozambique's highest peak. The park has a larger buffer zone (1,723 km2),[4] which extends into lower-elevation areas to the south, east, and north, and includes the Moribane, Mpunga, Maronga, and Zomba forest reserves. The Moribane, Mpunga, and Maronga forest reserves were established in 1953.[5]

Flora and fauna

The park contains rare species such as the Red-capped robin-chat and the Welwitsch's bat.

Culture

The locals preserve the cave paintings, ancient traditions and beliefs, all of which give the park a cultural identity.

Access

The park can be reached from the city of Chimoio. The park has several road connections with the north, south and central parts of Mozambique, as well as with Zimbabwe.[6]

Notes and References

  1. UNEP-WCMC (2022). Protected Area Profile for Chimanimani from the World Database of Protected Areas. Accessed 18 April 2022. https://www.protectedplanet.net/555705345
  2. Book: Briggs . Philip . Mozambique . 2014 . 221–222 . Bradt Travel Guides . 978-1841624969.
  3. News: Guyton. Jen. 2021-05-03. Mozambique Mints a New National Park — and Surveys Its Riches. en-US. The New York Times. 2021-05-08. 0362-4331.
  4. Hudson, A., Milliken, W., Timberlake, J. et al. Natural Plant Resources for Sustainable Development: Insights from Community Use in the Chimanimani Trans-Frontier Conservation Area, Mozambique. Hum Ecol 48, 55–67 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10745-020-00132-w
  5. Ghiurghi, Andrea & Dondeyne, S. & Bannerman, J. (2010). Chimanimani national reserve: management plan. 10.13140/2.1.1734.6240.
  6. Web site: Chimanimani – ANAC. 2020-09-28. www.anac.gov.mz.