Lukanga Swamps. 08/11/05; Central Province; 260,000 ha; 14°24'S 027°38'E. The largest permanent water body in the Kafue basin, comprising generally shallow swamps that allow light penetration to the bottom, permitting high photosynthetic activity. They are a suitable habitat for birds and wildlife, hosting a number of threatened species such as the Wattled Crane, the Red Lechwe, African python, and the sitatunga, an antelope adapted to walking and swimming in marshy environments. The area is also an important breeding ground for fish, the most abundant of which is Tilapia, with T. rendalli and T. sparmani the predominant species. Fishing is the major economic activity, with the site supplying fish to three provinces (Lusaka, Central and Copperbelt) with a population of 6.1 million. The swamps are an important source of reed material for basketry, and act as a sediment trap and a trap for metals from the copperbelt of Zambia. Overfishing, deforestation, and use of agro-chemicals pose potential threats. It is proposed to develop a local strategic management plan with full participation of the local communities. Ramsar site no. 1580. Most recent RIS information: 2005.