DAILY OBSERVER (Banjul, Gambia) 16 January 05 Kachikally crocodile population on the rise census reveals (Yusuf Ceesay)
The annual crocodile census at the Bakau Kachikally crocodile pool, which ended on December 31, has indicated an increase in the population of the reptiles.
According to Dodou Bojang, keeper of the Kachikally pool and museum, the census, conducted over a period of four months by a team of crocodile experts, revealed an increase of 13, taking the number of crocodiles in the pool from 72 to 85.
“At the last count in 2003, 72 crocodiles were registered while this years we registered 85, which shows a natural increase of 13 crocodiles,” he said. On why the minimal increase, Mr Bojang revealed that the reptiles had the capacity to control their own population.
“Some big crocodiles eat newly born ones and others migrate using the river. This migration is part of the crocodile’s survival instincts and it has helped preserve them for hundreds of years,” he explained.
Mr Bojang further revealed that overpopulation in the pool could lead to some difficulties in terms of feeding. He however added that the museum would be able to tackle such a problem as the crocodiles could stay without food for a period of six months.
He concluded that the natural increase could also improve the tourism sector as they are expecting more tourists to visit both the pool and the new museum.
Kachikally crocodile population on the rise census reveals