The importance of weirs as refugia for hippopotami and crocodiles in the Limpopo River, South Africa
Year: 1993
Type: article
Abstract: The distribution of the South African Red Data species hippopotami and crocodiles along the Limpopo River is discussed in relation to the factors affecting their survival. The severe modifications of this river and its tributaries are responsible for a conservation dilemma. On one hand such modifications have contributed to the drying-up and impoverishment of the system, but on the other hand permanent water behind storage weirs has been provided, enabling most aquatic biota to survive, particularly in times of drought. The importance of these weirs in the main channel of the Limpopo River is discussed in comparison to the contribution made by natural pools towards the survival of hippopotami and crocodiles. Fifty per cent of the former and 72% of the latter occurred along those stretches of river where weirs are prevalent
Source: Water SA
Authors: N. H. G. Jacobsen, C. J. Kleynhans
Language: English
Subfield: Nature and Landscape Conservation
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W2467506416