THE IMPORTANCE OF WEIRS AS REFUGIA FOR HIPPOPOTAMI AND CROCODILES IN THE LIMPOPO RIVER, SOUTH-AFRICA

The distribution of the South African Red Data species hippopotami and crocodiles along the Limpopo River is discussed in relation to the fa ctors affecting their survival. The severe modifications of this river and its tributaries are responsible for a conservation dilemma. On th e one hand such modifications have contributed to the drying-up and im poverishment of the system, but on the other hand permanent water behi nd storage weirs has been provided, enabling most aquatic biota to sur vive, particularly in rimes of drought. The importance of these weirs in the main channel of the Limpdpo River is discussed in comparison to the contribution made by natural pools towards the survival of hippop otami and crocodiles. Fifty per cent of the former and 72% of the latt er occurred along those stretches of river where weirs are prevalent. Problems and possible solutions to safeguard the survival of these spe cies along the Limpopo River are discussed.