Kafue Flats. 28/08/91; Southern & Central Provinces; 600,500 ha; 15°41'S 027°16'E. National Parks, Game Management Areas. A vast expanse of floodplains, grasslands, woodland zones and geothermal areas of high biodiversity in a complex patter of lagoons, oxbow lakes, abandoned river channels, marshes, and levees. The site supports many endangered and endemic species such as the endemic Kafue lechwe (Kobus leche kafuensis), Wattled crane (Grus carunculatus), and Sitatunga, amongst others, and it hosts migratory birds such as the White pelican (Pelecanus onocrolatus) and the Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis), as well as 67 fish species. The site possesses natural filtering and storage abilities, thus providing clean and plentiful water and acting as a natural sink for nutrients and other micro-elements. The inhabitants gain a living from fishing and pastoral grazing of livestock. The site is also of traditional and religious value to the Ila people of the Central Province and is of archeological and historical interest owing to the Gwisho hot springs and Sebanzi hills in the Lochinvar National Park. Draft management plans for the Blue Lagoon and Lochnivar National Parks have been formulated with the participation of different stakeholders. This, together with the Zambian Wildlife Authority anti-poaching law enforcement unit, should combat the threats of over-fishing, poaching, poor management and weed invasion by Mimosa pigra. The site was extended from 83,000 to 600,500 ha on 2 February 2007. Ramsar site no. 530. Most recent RIS information: 2007.