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Dunga Swamp is a small area of wetlands located at
the tip of Kisumu Bay. The Swamp is in Kolwa, Kisumu
District, Winam Division in Kisumu Municipality. The
Swamp covers approximately 1,000 ha stretching
southward from Nanga and Kibuye Point along the
Lake’s shoreline up to Nyamware. Dunga Swamp is
a lacustrine wetland situated in the delta/estuary of
Nyamasaria, Odesso, Wigwa and Luanda river systems
(Lake Victoria Basin Commission 2007).
Dunga Swamp is dominated by papyrus. It is an
important habitat for birds, including the papyrus
gonolek. It is also an important fish breeding area.
Other important animal species found in the Swamp
include sitatunga, hippos, crocodiles and impalas.
Major economic activities around the Swamp include
fishing, harvesting papyrus, handicraft production,
wetland agriculture and ecotourism.
Major threats facing the Dunga Wetlands include
encroachment by human settlements, reclamation for
crop production, uncontrolled burning and sewage
pollution from the town of Kisumu.
The wetlands are managed by the Dunga Ecotourism
and Environmental Team, a community-based
organization. The group promotes ecotourism and
ensures the sustainable use of the Wetland resources.
DungaWetlands, Kenya
Burning is common in wetlands
Sitatunga (swamp antelope)