/ 5 September 2005

Dusi paddlers need not fear crocodiles

The chances of a paddler in the upcoming Hansa Powerade Dusi being attacked by a crocodile are, according to crocodile specialists, remote.

The Dusi organising committee has been talking to local communities, crocodile experts, wildlife enthusiasts, farmers and the appropriate authorities about crocodiles living in the Valley of a Thousand Hills.

”We have spent a lot of time over the last week and weekend in the valley assessing the situation for ourselves,” said Cameron Mackenzie, chairperson of the organisers, on Sunday from Pietermaritzburg.

”As many as 20 crocodiles have been spotted in the Umgeni River, which feeds into the Dusi. I have personally seen a few myself and on the weekend, a few of us from the committee saw a 1,5m crocodile whilst investigating a sighting.”

These crocodiles would have been introduced into the river and were not born there, say crocodile specialists contacted by Mackenzie and his team.

Trevor Kelly, a crocodile specialist, believes that there is nothing to worry about.

”Crocs take about 16 years to start breeding and most the crocs that have been reported are about three or four years old, so I do not believe there are any crocs breeding anywhere along the Dusi, or any of its tributaries.” said Kelly, who has farmed crocodiles on the banks of the Umgeni for 16 years.

”Had there been breeders, they would have been spotted many years ago. So, in my opinion, there are no breeders on the rivers,” he said.

This, and the fact that crocodiles were spotted a long way from the Dusi River, is obviously good news for Mackenzie and his organising committee.

”We are relieved, and now it’s back to work on what we believe will be another record entry. We have been advised by the Department of Water Affairs [and Forestry] that we can expect a wet season. This is great news for paddlers, as we know that the river will be full.

”I’m confident that this will be the best Dusi yet,” said an upbeat Mackenzie.

The Dusi takes place on January 19, 20 and 21 between Pietermaritzburg and Durban. — Sapa

Entries for the race are now open at www.dusi.org.za