Lesser Jacana
The Lesser Jacana (Microparra capensis) is confined in southern Africa to the major river systems of Botswana, the Caprivi Strip in Namibia & Zimbabwe with an isolated population in the swamps & major lakes of Natal in South Africa.
Habitat of Lesser Jacana: lily covered lakes
& backwaters of major wetland systems
This species is highly adapted to walking on lily covered lakes & ponds. In fact, if there are no lilies there will be no Lesser Jacanas! Within its distribution, it is highly localized & found in very low densities (even in optimal habitat).
Often hard to see & difficult to pick out
in this habitat.
It has incredibly long legs & toes,
in order to walk on lily pads.
It isn't often one gets to get so close to this species.
It almost appears to be walking on water!
This individual was seen from a boat on the Kwando River at Horseshoe Bend in the Caprivi Strip. It was an absolute privilege to get such prolonged & close up views.
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