Mosi-oa-Tunya, or “The Smoke That Thunders,” is a UNESCO World Heritage site situated on the Zambezi River between Zambia and Zimbabwe. The sheer volume of water plunging into the Batoka Gorge creates a colossal spray that nurtures a permanent rainforest, establishing a unique microclimate in the surrounding semi-arid savanna. This powerful natural phenomenon has carved out a diverse ecosystem, drawing a wide array of animal life adapted to the various habitats created by the falls. Wildlife ranges from aquatic species in the calm upper river to large terrestrial mammals in adjacent national parks and specialized avian inhabitants of the gorges.
Wildlife of the Zambezi River and Floodplains
The Zambezi River immediately above the falls is a slow-moving, broad waterway that supports a high concentration of aquatic and semi-aquatic fauna. The hippopotamus is a prominent resident, spending its days submerged in the river’s calm pools. Hippos are megaherbivores that shape the riverine ecosystem.
Nile crocodiles are another substantial presence in the upper Zambezi, basking on sandbanks or lurking in the calmer waters as apex predators. These reptiles are abundant and represent a threat to animals that come to the water’s edge to drink. The waters host a rich fish fauna, with over 130 species recorded above the falls, which act as a physical barrier preventing movement between the upper and lower systems.
Anglers often target the Tigerfish, a sought-after game fish, alongside various Bream species, which form a major part of the local food chain. Seasonal flooding creates lush floodplains, providing temporary grazing and breeding grounds for various waterbirds and other species that rely on the river’s productivity.
Large Mammals of the Surrounding National Parks
The terrestrial environment surrounding the falls is protected by the Victoria Falls National Park (Zimbabwe) and the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park (Zambia). These parks are home to African bush elephants, which visit the Zambezi’s banks, especially during the dry season when they cross the river to access islands for vegetation. They are often seen in small herds foraging near the river for water and food.
Grazers like the Cape buffalo are common in the savanna areas, often forming large herds near the river. Giraffes and plains zebras are also frequently sighted, utilizing the open woodlands and grasslands of the parks. The Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in Zambia holds a small, protected population of white rhinoceros, which represents the only rhinos in the country.
Predators are present, though more elusive than the large herbivores. Lions patrol the wider surrounding areas and are occasionally seen within the parks, especially near the Zambezi National Park on the Zimbabwean side. Leopards favor the denser riverine vegetation and gorges, but their solitary and nocturnal habits make them rare sightings. Smaller antelope species, such as kudu, impala, and waterbuck, thrive across these savanna and woodland habitats.
Avian Species and Specialized Inhabitants of the Falls’ Microclimate
The mist and spray from the waterfall create a unique microclimate that fosters a rainforest environment, contrasting sharply with the surrounding dry woodland. This humid habitat supports specialized birdlife, including species like the Knysna Turaco and Trumpeter Hornbill, typically associated with denser forest areas. Over 400 bird species have been recorded in the broader Victoria Falls region, making it a significant location for ornithology.
The sheer basalt walls of the Batoka Gorge provide nesting sites for various raptors. Notable species breeding in these inaccessible cliffs include the Black Eagle and the rare Taita Falcon, which is threatened by human disturbance in the gorge. African Black Swifts are also common inhabitants, utilizing the gorge’s steep sides.
Primates and Amphibians
In the terrestrial areas adjacent to the falls, primates are highly visible. Chacma baboons are commonly encountered in large, social troops foraging along the riverbanks. Smaller Vervet monkeys are more agile and arboreal, frequently seen in the riverine forest.
The damp conditions of the spray forest allow for a variety of insect life and amphibians, such as the colorful Painted Reed Frog, to thrive in an environment that maintains high humidity year-round.