Spatial variability of nile crocodiles (Crocodylus Niloticus) in the lower Zambezi river reaches
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Published source details
Nyirenda V.R. (2015) Spatial variability of nile crocodiles (Crocodylus Niloticus) in the lower Zambezi river reaches. Herpetological Conservation and Biology, 10, 874-882.
Published source details Nyirenda V.R. (2015) Spatial variability of nile crocodiles (Crocodylus Niloticus) in the lower Zambezi river reaches. Herpetological Conservation and Biology, 10, 874-882.
Actions
This study is summarised as evidence for the following.
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Protect habitat: All reptiles (excluding sea turtles) Action Link |
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Protect habitat: All reptiles (excluding sea turtles)
A study in 2007 along a river on the borders of Zambia and Zimbabwe (Nyirenda 2015) found that abundance of Nile crocodiles Crocodylus niloticus was highest in river areas on the edge of national parks. Abundance of Nile crocodiles was higher in river reaches on the edge of national parks (21 crocodiles/km river) compared to areas with less protection (7 crocodiles/km river). In October 2007, Nile crocodiles were surveyed at night by boat using spotlights along a 262 km stretch of the Zambezi river. Two boats with three people (a navigator, recorder and observer) each surveyed a stretch at a time. The river edge bordered national parks (with 75 km2/scout protection levels, use limited to ecotourism and mineral extraction), and other areas with less protection, including game management areas (with 122–123 km2/scout protection levels and multiple legal natural resource uses) and open areas (>200 km2/scout protection and uncontrolled natural resource use).
(Summarised by: Katie Sainsbury)
