| Abstract |
The Cuvelai Basin is a catchment area shared between Angola and Namibia. Its ephemeral system of drainage channels are called iishana. The system originates in the Angolan Planalto highlands, between the Rio Cunene and Rio Cubango, from where it flows in a southern, south-easterly direction, via the iishana and converging towards the Omadhiya lakes in Namibia. In some years, it flows even more southerly into Namibia’s Etosha Pan (Atlas of Namibia 2022). The total wetland area covers almost 160 000 km² (CUVECOM 2021).
The western part of the Cuvelai Basin is generally referred to as the Shana drainage area, while the eastern part of the basin is referred to as the Ephemeral drainage area. Much of the Cuvelai Basin contains Miombo, Mopane and Acacia-Baikiaea woodlands. Rainfall in the basin is highly variable, increasing from an annual average of 250 mm to around 800 mm. |
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