Experts unite to save abused river from extinction

Abstract

Water resources management The initiative, known as the Consortium for the Restoration of the Olifants Catchment (CROC) at present was established following the perplexing death of hundreds of crocodiles in the Kruger National Park’s Olifants gorge. Led by South Africa National Parks (SANParks) it also includes representatives from national government departments, including the Departments of Water Affairs & Forestry and Environmental Affairs & Tourism, research organisations, universities, independent consultants, and the Water Research Commission. The programme was initiated after it became increasingly clear that the death of the crocodiles was symptomatic of a serious and growing environmental problem in the Olifants River system. The river has been subjected to prolonged and cumulative ecosystem stress as a result of human activities in the catchment, which is thought to have resulted in the deaths of great numbers of this top predator.

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