Seasonal Variations in Waterbird Diversity and Threats to the Barotse Floodplain

This study explored waterbird diversity and associated threats in the Barotse Floodplain, Zambia, a critical wetland in the Zambezi River Basin. Field surveys conducted along a 202 km transect during the cold-dry and hot-dry seasons revealed higher waterbird diversity in the hot-dry season, as indicated by the Shannon-Wiener Index. Chi-square analysis demonstrated significant variations in species distribution across habitat types and seasons. Human settlements and fishing were identified as the primary threats to waterbird populations, emphasising the need for targeted conservation interventions. Grasslands and inland wetlands were the most utilised habitats, underscoring their essential role in supporting waterbird communities. Additionally, the comparable reliance of migratory and non-migratory species on the floodplain suggests its importance for both groups. These findings highlight the ecological significance of the Barotse Floodplain and provide a foundation for developing conservation strategies to protect its avian biodiversity.