Saiwa Swamp National Park

Saiwa Swamp National Park is a protected area located in Western Kenya

• Area Size: Saiwa Swamp National Park covers an area of approximately 2.9 square kilometers (about 1.12 square miles). It is relatively small compared to some other national parks but is significant due to its unique ecological features.

• Designation Date: Saiwa Swamp National Park was designated as a national park on January 11, 1974.

• Management: The national park is managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), which is responsible for the conservation and protection of Kenya's wildlife and natural resources.

• IUCN Status: Saiwa Swamp National Park may fall under the IUCN Category II designation, which includes national parks and similar protected areas established for the protection of ecosystems and natural beauty.

• Biodiversity: Saiwa Swamp National Park is renowned for its unique biodiversity, particularly for being the only protected area in Kenya where the rare and endangered sitatunga antelope can be found. The park's biodiversity includes:

  • Sitatunga Antelope: Saiwa Swamp is home to a small population of sitatunga antelope, which are adapted to wetland habitats and are excellent swimmers.

  • Birdlife: The park supports a variety of bird species, including kingfishers, herons, and other wetland-associated birds.

  • Swamp Vegetation: Saiwa Swamp is characterized by its lush vegetation, including papyrus reeds, sedges, and other wetland plants.

  • Fish and Amphibians: The park's swampy areas also host various fish species and amphibians adapted to wetland ecosystems.

Saiwa Swamp National Park is an important conservation area, particularly for the sitatunga antelope, which is listed as an endangered species. Efforts are made to protect and preserve the unique wetland ecosystem of the park and ensure the survival of its rare and endemic species.

"Sanctuary of the Sitatunga antelope'’

https://www.kws.go.ke/content/saiwa-swamp-national-park

A veritable haven for nature lovers, the Saiwa Swamp National Park is a forested paradise filled with exotic flowers, trees and birds. It is also the habitat of the rare and endangered semi-aquatic Sitatunga antelope and a preserve for the rare De Brazza’s monkey. Within this tropical wetland and mosaic of riverine forest, sedges, and acacia woodlands, with fringing dense rushes and grass bedsBird life is abundant. Water birds include the lesser jacana, grey heron, and the African black duck while the forest shelters the Narina trogons, the collared and orange-tufted sunbird, the yellow bishop, Hatlaub’s marsh widow bird, and the Noisy Ross’s turacos which are difficult to miss.

Source:KWS Website