Our Partner & Collaborator
Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency
Crocodile Comeback: 23 Crocs Go Wild in Mpumalanga
WeWild Africa, in collaboration with the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency, has embarked on an exciting initiative, releasing captive crocodiles into the wild. This journey of crocodile rewilding began with the first three crocodiles from Seaview, the same location from which we performed a significant animal rescue initiative.
In this endeavor, WeWild Africa played a crucial role in the rescue and transportation of these animals. We faced the challenging task of loading large crocodiles, measuring between 2 to 3.5 meters, into trucks for their journey to Mpumalanga. These crocodiles were then safely transported and released into the wild. We later integrated them with another group, leading to the release of a total of 23 crocodiles.
WeWild Africa funded and mounted GPS tags on many of these crocodiles. These tags are instrumental in tracking their movements and ensuring their safe and successful integration into an open ecosystem.
This project is particularly significant as it involves crocodiles that were previously in captivity, and demonstrates that they can thrive in the wild without causing issues in the area.
Why are crocodiles important to an ecosystem?
Apex Predators
As apex predators, crocodiles help control the populations of various species below them in the food chain. By preying on fish, birds, and mammals, they help maintain a balance in the ecosystem, preventing any one species from becoming too dominant.
Scavengers
Crocodiles also act as scavengers, consuming dead animals. This scavenging behavior helps in cleaning up the ecosystem and preventing the spread of disease.
Nutrient Recycling
When crocodiles defecate, they return important nutrients to the water, which can be beneficial for aquatic plant life. This nutrient recycling is crucial for maintaining healthy water ecosystems.
Biodiversity Indicators
The presence of a healthy crocodile population is often an indicator of a healthy ecosystem. Crocodiles are sensitive to environmental changes, so their health can reflect the overall health of their ecosystem.
Habitat Modification
Their activities, such as digging burrows, can create habitats used by other species. These burrows can retain water during dry periods, providing a refuge for aquatic organisms and helping to sustain the ecosystem during droughts.
Cultural and Economic Value
In many regions, crocodiles are of cultural significance and can also be a source of income through ecotourism. This encourages local communities to conserve their natural habitats and the species that live within them.
Every Animal Counts.
At WeWild Africa, we do not discriminate in the types of animals we rescue. We believe every animal deserves a chance at life in the wild and we know that each animal plays a role in a healthy biodiverse ecosystem, including these crocodiles. Our commitment extends to funding less glamorous operations such as these, underscoring our dedication to wildlife conservation in all its forms.
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Wiki West
- April 7, 2022
