KwaZulu-Natal: It's man versus croc

Abstract

Conservation Historically, crocodiles were abundant throughout the lower lying and coastal areas of KwaZulu-Natal, but today the last remaining wild crocodiles are restricted to the north-eastern corner of the province, from the Tukhela River northwards in an area known as Zululand. Within Zululand, viable crocodile populations are found north of the Mfolozi River with Lake St Lucia and Ndumo Game Reserve hosting two of the three largest populations in South Africa. The diversity of crocodile habitat found here, which include rivers, streams, large natural lakes and estuaries, swamp forests, pans and wetlands, is unrivalled in southern Africa. Lake St Lucia, which is part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park World Heritage Site, is a particularly important conservation area for crocodiles, as it hosts the largest number in a single water body in South Africa. It is also the largest viable estuarine crocodile population in Africa. Around 900 crocodiles (greater than 1,2 m) call the lake home.

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