Nile crocodile caught on South Coast
The Nile crocodile is one of the most dangerous species of crocodile and is responsible for hundreds of human deaths every year.
A juvenile Nile crocodile was found in the Orange Rocks area in Uvongo last Thursday evening.
Johan du Plooy of Wolf Security said the crocodile was found by Wolf’s reaction officers at about 8pm that evening.
“The crocodile was spotted on the road but then it disappeared, but we managed to find it on a property on the corner of Collin Street and Orange Rocks, about a block away from the popular fishing spot,” he said.
Needing assistance, they immediately contacted Allan Williams, the Deputy Provincial Coordinator of Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Honorary Officers Corp.
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Mr Williams said this was the third crocodile to be found on the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa in a space of four months.
“The second was found two weeks ago in the St Mike’s area with the first found in November last year,” he said.
Mr Williams didn’t want to elaborate too much, as the discovery of this crocodile is currently under investigation by KZN Wildlife.
However, he added that the crocodile caught last Thursday was in a healthy condition and appeared to be somebody’s well-looked-after pet.
“It’s difficult to guess his age as he has been well fed,” he said.
Mr Williams said crocodiles are considered dangerous pets.
“To keep a crocodile or any protected wildlife, you are required by law to obtain a permit.”
The young crocodile has since been taken to Crocworld Conservation Centre in Scottburgh.
Historical research shows that the Nile crocodile was found in all river systems north of the Buffalo river in East London and there is empirical evidence suggesting that all of the major rivers on the South Coast boasted healthy crocodile populations in in the early 1800s.
The Nile crocodile is one of the most dangerous species of crocodile and is responsible for hundreds of human deaths every year.
According to Riverbend Crocodile Farm’s website, the last wild Nile crocodile recorded on the lower South Coast was a notorious crocodile which had been terrorizing bathers at Uvongo beach.
It was finally shot in 1864 at the base of the Uvongo waterfall.
Another interesting fact is that Henry, the Nile croc, celebrated his 120th birthday bash at the Crocworld Conservation Centre in December last year.
Henry is believed to be the oldest known Nile crocodile in captivity.
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