Nyika Plateau
The Nyika Plateau lies in northern Malawi, with a small portion in north eastern Zambia. Most of it lies at elevations of between Script error: No such module "convert"., the highest point being Script error: No such module "convert". at Nganda Peak. It is roughly a diamond in shape, with a long north–south axis of about Script error: No such module "convert"., and an east–west axis of about Script error: No such module "convert".. It towers above Lake Malawi (elevation Script error: No such module "convert".), and the towns of Livingstonia and Chilumba. Its well-defined north-west escarpment rises about Script error: No such module "convert". above the north-eastern extremity of the Luangwa Valley, and its similarly prominent south-east escarpment rises about Script error: No such module "convert". above the South Rukuru River valley.[1] It is very different in scenery from other parts of Malawi, consisting of rolling hills with little streams in broad valleys, and rough grassland with clumps of pine trees.[2]
Wildlife and human settlement
It is known for its wildlife; mammals in the park include Crawshay's zebras, bushbucks, reedbucks, roan antelopes, elands, klipspringers, duikers, and warthogs. Also present are carnivores including jackals, hyenas and leopards.[2] There are also many birds and endemic butterflies, chameleons, frogs and toads (e.g., Nyika dwarf toad[3]), and also for its orchids. All of the plateau is protected, by Malawi's large Nyika National Park and the much smaller Nyika National Park, Zambia. The only settlement on the plateau is Chelinda, the headquarters and accommodation site for the Malawian park.[4]
Flora
A large area of the Nyika Plateau, around Script error: No such module "convert"., makes up the Nyika National Park. Owing to its protected status, endemic flora continue to flourish in this part of the plateau. The flora of the plateau include gladioli, delphiniums, lobelia, and 'red hot pokers'. The plateau is also home to around 200 species of orchids. Groves of montane forests also dot the plateau.[5]
References
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