in the south. Mean annual rainfall varies from in the south to more than in the north. The annual mean temperature is , with a mean maximum from in July to in October, the hottest month of the year. Winds are mostly light, blowing from the east. Habitats and flora Most of the park is covered in miombo woodlands, which are open semi-deciduous forests of trees in the genera Brachystegia, Julbernardia and Isoberlinia, adapted to periodic wildfires. These woodlands have a few small dambos (grasslands which become marshy in the rainy season) interspersed among them. Large termite mounds are found in the forests, and these host their own particular evergreen floras, notably the candelabra tree (Euphorbia ingens), and the jackalberry (Diospyros mespiliformis). Large and small open plains are found throughout the park, often dotted with small termite mounds. Evergreen forests of teak and mopane occur in the south and centre. The Kafue River eventually flows into the man-made Lake Itezhi-tezhi, forming a reservoir partially within the park. An important aquatic plant is the grass Vossia cuspidata, which forms free-floating mats in the river. Aeschynomene elaphroxylon is a problematic weed near Lake Itezhi-tezhi. The Busanga Plains in the far north-west are a well-known attraction; these are seasonally flooded grasslands along the Lufupa river. They host large herds of herbivores and much birdlife. Fauna Kafue National Park hosts a large range of antelopes including puku, sitatunga, red lechwe, blue duiker, yellow-backed duiker, Sharpe's grysbok, oribi, impala, roan antelope, sable antelope and hartebeest. African bush elephant herds are commonly seen. Other mammals include African buffalo, aardvark, pangolin, bushpig, warthog, spring hare and bush baby. The Kafue River and its tributaries are home to pods of hippopotamus and a few of the largest Nile crocodiles in southern Africa. There are also monitor lizards in the park. The cheetah occurs throughout this park, and the African leopard is frequently seen. The park is a stronghold of the African wild dog. Other carnivores include Selous's mongoose, white-tailed mongoose, marsh mongoose, African civet, honey badger, African clawless otter, spotted-necked otter, serval, caracal and African wild cat. Since 2005, the protected area has been considered a lion 'conservation unit', together with South Luangwa National Park. Birds There are over 500 recorded bird species. Some include Pel's fishing owl, black-cheeked lovebird, grey crowned crane, African finfoot, Böhm's bee-eaters, paradise flycatchers, sunbirds, numerous kingfisher species and Zambia's only endemic bird,