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Crocodiles Dying in Kruger


Crocodiles Dying in Kruger
Photo Information
Copyright: Loot Eksteen (loot) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 5376 W: 590 N: 3561] (9739)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2006-10-14
Categories: Reptiles
Camera: Cannon EOS 350D, Sigma 170-500mm f/5-6.3 AF APO Ultra DG, Digital ISO 100, UV 86mm Kenko
Exposure: f/8, 1/320 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Travelogue: Kruger National Park - 2006
Theme(s): My Dedications ;o), Xit left: 1, 2, 3 ..., 80-89 Points I, A study in Herpetology, Kruger National Park 2, Reptiles - Crocs, alligators, caimans, & garials 1, Reptiles of Africa, Dedications at Trek Nature part Four, Wildlife of Africa, Haraprasan's Favs [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2008-07-07 16:46
Viewed: 4491
Favorites: 2 [view]
Points: 86
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Nile crocodile - Crocodylus niloticus

This crocodile was photographed on the eastern bank of the Sunset Dam, ±1km from Lower Sabie camp.

Unfortunately today's posting is of a rather serious nature as we have a problem that can easily become an ecological disaster in the Kruger National Park. Therefore, I want to dedicate this to all the personnel of the Kruger Park in acknowledgement of the tremendously difficult task they have to maintain this wonderful "pristine" environment and who are fighting against huge odds in keeping the animals and habitats alive and well so that we can enjoy the beauty of nature.

Recently large numbers of dead crocodiles have been found in the Olifants River gorge and so far there seems to be very little answers to the problem. When one of Africa's most hardened animals, one that stems from the dinosaur period and that can even survive for almost a year without food, start dying, then surely there are big problems. What about the rest of the animals drinking water from the Olifants River, can this not spread to them as well? I just hope they find an answer soon, and do something about the people/companies/mines that keep on polluting our rivers which is supposed to give life to so many beings. Sadly these companies are in control of the mighty $ and we have seen too often how the environment and nature have to play second fiddle when it comes to matters of nature vs the money god.

Ecologists puzzled at spate of croc deaths
Wednesday, 04 June 2008

Ecologists at the Kruger National Park are puzzled over the recent spate of crocodile deaths, the park's management said on Wednesday.

Veterinary surgeons, scientists, researchers, rangers and managers met in Skukuza in the Kruger National Park on Tuesday to discuss the discovery of at least 30 crocodile carcasses in the Olifants River area last Thursday.

"We don't have the answers as to why these crocodiles are dying," said the Kruger National Park's Head of Department for Scientific Services, Danie Pienaar.

A carcass was first spotted by trail rangers. It had distinctive yellow-orange hardened fat in its tail.

During an aerial survey over the entire length of the Olifants River, 30 crocodile carcasses were discovered in various stages of decomposition, he said.

Tissue samples of the yellow-orange hardened fat were taken and sent by the Kruger National park to the University of Pretoria's Onderstepoort for further analysis.

Pienaar said: "It is believed at this stage that the yellow-orange fat is a condition known as Pansteatitis which is usually associated with the consumption of rotten or rancid fish.

"We are not sure, what caused this condition in the Olifants Gorge as there were no recent fish kills reported," he said.

The problem was being investigated and nothing had been ruled out as its cause.

"Although a clear cause/effect relationship cannot be found, it is clear that the Olifants River system is strained beyond it capacity to deal with this level of stress."

Pienaar said the Olifants River was the most polluted river in the park and the system had experienced further strain from the Massingir Dam that has pushed back into the Olifants Gorge, causing sediments to be deposited.

Sapa. Source

CSIR sounds alarm about spread of toxic organism harmful to human health
Saturday, 14 June 2008

11% of SA's major dams have had 'significant to severe' problems. Toxic bacteria known to be harmful to human health have been found in many if not most of South Africa's rivers and reservoirs. The organism grows in rivers disturbed by human activities such as farming, mining and waste-water treatment. The contamination is rapidly getting worse due to controversial government water-quality guidelines that some scientists have opposed for years.

These are some of the findings contained in a new research report by the Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), finalised earlier this year. The report says the bacteria, known as cyanobacteria or blue- green algae, have recently been found "in many if not most of the river and reservoir systems" that supply most of South Africa’s drinking water.

The report also warns that many South Africans may be drinking water contaminated with the bacteria: "The deemed health risk to humans in South Africa is via long-term chronic exposure to low levels of cyanotoxins (produced by the algae) in water used for drinking and domestic uses because it is estimated that only 21% of South African households have access to piped water inside their houses," the CSIR report says.

These figures coincide with a written submission to Parliament last week by the Minister of Water Affairs, Lindiwe Hendricks, confirming a major threat of possible bacterial "blooms" in 58% of dams monitored by government water- quality inspectors.

The dams include
- Hartbeespoort and Rietvlei in Gauteng.
- Shongweni outside Durban.
- The Waterskloof and Voëlvlei in the Western Cape.

Hendricks confirmed 11% of South Africa’s major dams had already shown "significant to severe algal and cyanobacterial blooms." The bacteria, whose outbreaks resemble scum, reduce the level of oxygen in the water and can produce toxins that are harmful to humans. The CSIR report says conventional treatment does not remove all the toxins before water is piped to households.

Dr Anthony Turton, a CSIR scientific spokesman, said: "The toxin from cyanobacteria is complex and resembles cobra venom in some ways. In some forms it (the toxin) is carcinogenic and in other forms potentially lethal, at least in laboratory tests. It is serious stuff, so we need to invest in more science to understand and thus manage it. This is not a luxury for some crazy scientist to feed his curiosity on; it is a national problem of great strategic importance that we simply have to get right."

The CSIR study, titled State of the Nation Report, highlights problems with national water treatment regulations, which allow "an inappropriately high" level of harmful phosphates in water treated in sensitive catchment areas. Phosphates, commonly found in crop fertilisers and industrial waste, encourage the growth of cyanobacteria. "Since the promulgation of the effluent phosphate standard, the water quality in South Africa's rivers and reservoirs has deteriorated rapidly,"” the report says. "A thorough review and revision of the country's effluent quality standards is needed if these human health risks are to be reduced."

This week the Sunday Times has also established that
- The Department of Water Affairs and Forestry is concerned about several rivers that may soon be unfit for drinking or irrigation. This follows news that department officials have intervened to stop people drinking from the Tweelopies Spruit, a tributary of the Crocodile River. The river has been affected by mining.
- The government has identified 142 high-risk waste-water treatment facilities countrywide affected by poor infrastructure and asset management. The minister has described the situation as "a cause for huge concern."
- Scientists believe the recent spate of crocodile deaths around the Kruger National Park are linked to cyanobacteria blooms. The animals are believed to have eaten toxic fish. There is growing concern over unexplained wildlife deaths.
- Many poor communities in rural areas rely on drinking water from contaminated dams and rivers for themselves and their livestock.

Toxic water facts
- Water polluted with cyanobacteria can cause illness in humans and death in animals.
- Human contact with heavily polluted water can lead to headaches, fever, nausea and irritated skin.
- Children are at greater risk than adults.
- Boiling the water does not remove the toxins.
- Washing clothes and bathing in contaminated water should be avoided. Source

Post Processing was done with Adobe Photoshop CS2.
manyee, ramthakur, peter_stoeckl, Ken52, Luis52, jeanpaul, Jamesp, robindb, rcrick, Janice, haraprasan, albert, horia, Miss_Piggy, gannu, Amadeo, boreocypriensis, Alex99, SelenE, marhowie, Silvio2006, Dyker, bahadir, xTauruSx, PeterZ, Rehanna, sranjan, Aaltjie, vanderschelden, goutham_ramesh, Silke, betsie has marked this note useful
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Discussions
ThreadThread Starter Messages Updated
To Silke: Long illnessloot 1 07-21 08:48
To marhowie: Ecological disasterloot 2 07-19 07:06
To sranjan: Possibility of huntingloot 1 07-19 00:36
To Rehanna: Dankieloot 1 07-19 00:27
To fiftysomething: Reduction in sightingsloot 1 07-19 00:22
To boreocypriensis: Dinoflagellate protozoanloot 1 07-19 00:13
To Alex99: Big Thank youloot 1 07-19 00:07
To horia: Massive beautyloot 1 07-18 23:55
To betsie: Waterbesoedelingloot 1 07-18 23:49
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Critiques [Translate]

  • Great 
  • Luis52 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1052 W: 5 N: 3209] (11876)
  • [2008-07-07 17:18]

Hola Sr. Loot.
Muy hermosa la foto de hoy. El "Cocodrilo" luce bellamente sus atributos gracias a la calidad de la fotografia. pues es de gran nitidez y con exelente iluminacion. La pose con sus fauces abiertas son un valor adicional, asi como el fondo donde se aprecia el agua del rio o lago.
La nota escrita de gran valor educativo pues deja muchas enseñanzas a quienes tememos el privilegio de poder leer.
Un Abrazo y un saludo faternal.
Luis52.

hello loot,
nice capture, the composition is good, spot on focus with good details,a fine dedication to the personnel of the Kruger Park , it is really so sad that this animal is dying at the national park. i hope that they find the cause soon.
tfs & regards
pankaj

Sorry!My computer is acting up on me again, this time I think it's got some virus!
Great shot!
Goldy

  • Great 
  • Jamesp Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1292 W: 0 N: 5307] (16022)
  • [2008-07-07 22:15]

Hi Loot

Great shot - but very concerning note. There are so few places where crocodiles can be found in any sort of numbers anyway, that this makes it even more tragic. Thanks for this posting.

James

Hi Loot,

Nice picture but thanks also for highlighting this issue. It was also discussed last night(7/7/2008) on the TV program 50/50 and there are still no answers.
Robin

  • Great 
  • rcrick Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 705 W: 36 N: 1501] (4841)
  • [2008-07-07 23:00]

Dear Loot,

A very big thank you for drawing our attention to the plight of these amazing creatures, I had know idea that this was happening, especially in a National Park of all places, like you we all can only hope that the cause of this devastation will be found and rectified before these wonderful creatures and possibly others suffer irreversible damage.

Rick :)

Ai Loot - Dit is 'n hartseer storie. Het jy gisteraand die program op TV ook gesien van die krokodille?? Baie hartseer. Ons hoop hulle kry gou die oorsaak van al hierdie probleme. Dankie dat jy deur hierdie foto BAIE mense bewus gaan maak van waterbesoedeling. Dit is 'n groot probleem.

  • Great 
  • Janice Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3328 W: 148 N: 6111] (18631)
  • [2008-07-08 0:39]

Interesting notes Loot, and scary too. It isn't good for humans either.

Good shot of this fierce character. Very good focus, his colours and details look very sharp and clear. I can see how they are easily camouflaged in the water.

Kia ora
Janice

Hi Loot,
Sorry to know this species of Jurassic Era is going to be no more. Hope some self help organization put their efforts in saving these. Anyway a nice capture of this croc. Very good details and a lovely composition. Thanks a lot for sharing.

Hello Loot,
Thanks for this posting and detailed but concerning note, let's hope they will soon find the reason for this disaster
Best regards
Alberet

Hi Loot
Faut reconnaître que les crocodiles sont impressionnants et celui-ci ne l'est pas moins ! Les détails sur la peau sont supers. La luminosté donne l'impression que la gueule est éclairée... Merci et au revoir...JP

Les sourires demain

  • Great 
  • horia Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2135 W: 222 N: 4188] (14217)
  • [2008-07-08 5:12]
  • [+]

Hi Loot

I'm sooo sorry to hear such horrible news!
It's indeed tragic when an animal so resistant to all sort of changes as the crocodile is dieing...as you said, something at the base is "broken".

Your post here is a wonderful one then, and i strongly hope that someone from that fleet of people working to solve the problem will indeed be inspired and crack it, for the sake of all nature, crocs included.

The photo itself is excellent, showing the entire body of this massive beauty (for me it will always be a beauty). I really love the way you've captured that great texture of its skin here. Lovely natural colors and good POV, too.
Thank you for all your work to support all nature lovers/helpers!

Bravo and TFS
Horia

Hallo Loot
The contents of your note about the crocodiles dying contain valueble information. I appreciate the message you got across by ways of this image and accompanied notes. I just wish that more members would read the given information and not just see it as a photograph of a crocodile lying in the sun and passing it by without taking notice of the importance of contents.

Unfotunately when members do not see a colourful bird, butterfly or flower they tend to skip to the next page to find the "nice" image.

This is indeed a very special dedication to the personnel of the Kruger National Park and I truly hope one of them see this wonderful gesture.

The quality of your image is of outstanding quality. The details and the texture of the skin are remarkably clear and noticeable. If one look closely you can even see the new green grass coming through the ground. Although there are only about 3 main objects to comment on in this image (ground, crocodile and water) I find this to be a very bright and lovely to look and to appreciate image. Not forgetting the brightness of the lovely green grass just mentioned.

Focus, point of view and framing is done exceptionally well and the whole presentation is done with good taste and skill.

Herewith I would also like to thank you for all the time and effort you put into your postings. I for one know that you do a lot of research for your topics, and the time you spend compiling it to share with us the fellow members. It is much appreciated and I am sure many fellow members will agree with this fact.

Love
Anna

Hello Loot,
Great capture and title lead-in to this serious developing problem..
Sure hope they get to the bottom of this soon.
Your exhaustive documentation here will bring more awareness of this pending ecological disaster to searches on the net..
It's great that you've complied this info in such a succinct manner, and in one place.
I commend you :)
Howard

  • Great 
  • gannu Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1161 W: 4 N: 3223] (14565)
  • [2008-07-08 9:03]

Hello Loot, What a long note. Great shot and superb POV. nice focus and lovely composition. Ganesh

  • Great 
  • Alex99 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3475 W: 143 N: 5502] (18019)
  • [2008-07-08 23:45]
  • [+]

Hi Loot.
Once more terrific of quality and impressive by subject shot which is supplemented with huge (scientific) note. First of all I am impressive with great framing and composition of the image and its fine colour palette. Second is razor sharpness of the animal image, wide DOF and excellent details of the bank and water surface. Pictured scene is very impressive too and is classic for this species. Bravo. Well done and TFS.
Alexei.

Hi my dear friend Loot,
Apart from your excellent capture of this poor Nile crocodile, your note was affected to me. Perfectly prepared note as usual! Sadly, we are witnessing such events based on the pollution in both biological (inoculated or foreign species transporting by humans or their decals which may be toxic) and chemical (natural or superficial). Therefore we have to be behave careful and sensitive to changes in our environs. As I known some dinoflagellat single-celled organisms can produce some fatal, sometimes paralytic toxins and these are concentrate in animal bodies and effect them.
In this case may be an dinoflagellate protozoan responsible for these illnesses. Just an idea and possibility! Anyway, thanks for this kind reminding that we have a single woırld and we must to conserve it.
All the best!
Cheers,

Bayram

Hola Lot, una excelentte fotografia, distante pero con buenas texturas y detalle. Bonitos tonos de color y una perfecta iluminación. Un saludo

Nice photo, Loot! Somehow the most I get to see of crocs are the eyes and nose sticking out! But I live in hope! So sad about the croc deaths. I hope they are able to remedy it real soon.

A simply lovely photo with lovely colouration. Your note is of so much concern to us who love the Kruger so much. Over the past 20 years I have already noticed a huge reduction in sightings of Black-backed Jackal, Wild Dog, Cheetah,Roan and Sable Antelope, and Warthogs. We know that lions are also being decimated by TB. It makes me wonder what will be left in 50 years time. What I have noticed increasing in dramatic numbers is the human population visiting the park and I can't help wondering whether there is a connection. To my mind the Kruger is being hopelessly over-exploited and we will eventually pay the price for our financial greed.
TXS.Mike

  • Great 
  • joey Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1984 W: 226 N: 6768] (24412)
  • [2008-07-09 11:55]

It's very sad to hear about the crocs... I hope they find the cause of it soon.
Perfect photo of this crocodile.
Great pose, very sharp, full of detail and lovely light.

Well done, Loot!

Joe

  • Great 
  • Dyker Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 141 W: 0 N: 59] (170)
  • [2008-07-09 21:18]

Hello Loot
This is terrible news and I hope the authorities find out what's going on before too many of these animals die. The problem question remains, "How many of the crocodiles that are still alive has already been infected?" You did an excellent job with this posting. The notes are very useful and informative and the photo is of exceptional quality. You have arrested the mid-morning sun with great result. This gave perfect lighting on the croc which also ensured excellent detail of its rugged skin. Super photo.
Greetings
AC

Hi Loot, great capture of wonderful croco, splendid sharpness and beautiful colors, very well done, ciao Silvio

Hi Loot, great capture and great subject. Thanks for that you take atention us also.
Bahadır

  • Great 
  • SelenE Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2381 W: 63 N: 4145] (13494)
  • [2008-07-10 4:40]

Hi Loot,
I'm sorry to read and learn from your notes about what's going on there... Thank you for your informative notes and your concern about the subject.
About your photo; it's beautiful.
TFS
Greetings,
Selen

Hello Loot, a perfecty captured Nile crocodile although I worried that they are dying with the pollution. Great subject and thanks for your sensitivity too.
Kind regards,

Deniz

  • Great 
  • PeterZ Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1869 W: 83 N: 4356] (14169)
  • [2008-07-10 10:53]

Hello Loot,
Excellent photo in wonderful clear colours and sharpness. Great POV and composition. Impressive note.
Regards,
Peter

Hello Loot

'n Werklik imposante kreatuur en skoon mooi van lelikheid. Dit is egter bitter jammer om te hoor van die probleem wat daar in die Kruger bestaan. Ek het die artikel op 50/50 gesien en dit is eintlik skrikwekkend om te dink dat sulke dinge kan gebeur sonder dat die slim manne kan uitpluis wat aan die gang is. Ek hoop egter hulle vind spoedig 'n antwoord en dat hulle nog tyd sal hê om 'n oplossing te vind voordat daar veel meer skade aangerig word.

Jou foto is briljant skerp gefokus met pragtige lig op die krokodil. Die kleure is ook absoluut natuurlik. Weereens goei werk en dankie vir die toewyding in jou aanbiedinge.

Groete
Rehanna

Dear Loot,
This is the burning topic in India too. There is sharp decline in the numbers of crocodiles and gavialis. People blaim large scale hunting for the commercial skin trade, prior to 1972, as a major cause for the initial decline in crocodile numbers, in addition to the rapid encroachment of nesting habitats for agricultural practices, killing of nesting females and large scale egg collection by settlers. Lets hope the awareness brings out some conservation into right direction. TFS.
Regards-Subhash

  • Great 
  • Nilson Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 415 W: 0 N: 396] (2914)
  • [2008-07-15 18:03]

Exelente aminal de tamanho postura magnifico uma exelente foto bem trabalhada e com nitides ótima parabéns.
Nilson

Hallo my friend Loot
What a pity that such a wonderful image must be accompanied with such sad and alarming news, which you shared with us by ways of your notes. This is very heartfelt and distressing, and one actually want to close your ears and eyes not to really want to hear or read about it. I really hope they find a solution for the problem soon.
Your image itself are like always in the top range. The colour of the water are displayed as I can remember and that is very true to the real colour. You have captured this reptile with precision and pride. If this croc would of have hair I would of have said not one hair out of its place. Now I'll have to say not one scale out of its place. You have brought the details of the scales out so clear and apparent, it is unbelievable to think that it was lying not close to you. Like always I must comment you on your excellent display of camera work. Well done.
Warmest regards.
Aaltjie

Hi Loot,
let me begin by saying that this is a wonderful capture, superb colors and lighting.Coming to your notes its very sad to know that we have been destroying such eco systems and we as nature lovers have to do a lot to promote conservation of nature.
These kind of catastrophes is happening a lot in India as well and lakes which once used to supply water to rural Bangalore is dry even in monsoon and just today i noticed there is not even a single drop of water :-( all these is because catchment area's are gone and there are huge apartments and IT companies coming up there, probably this is a heavy price that we are paying for so called economic development
...
Goutham R

Hello Loot,

A big and beautiful crocodile you uploaded here. Unfortunately accompanied by bad news. It is almost weird to hear these kind of animals can be killed through very very small 'animals' or bacteria. The latter reproduce very quickly as we all know.
That's the problem, I guess. Bayram was mentioning dinoflagellate protozoan. Maybe that's a track for the experts to identify the
'killer'.

Rivers such as the Olifants and Shingwedzi are flowing beyond the Krugers fences (where human activity can be found such as agriculture and through mining their commodities,...) and often in different countries (e.g. South Africa and Mozambique) with different legislations and policies. Add to this the global warming... 'Everything' should be done to avoid
this to minimize the chances these organisms could develop.

With your perfect note you sensitized people. And yes, it is a tremendously difficult task for the personnel of the park to cope with these kind of problems..

Well done and TFS
Annick

  • Great 
  • Silke Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 753 W: 108 N: 1730] (5406)
  • [2008-07-20 20:53]
  • [+]

This is such stunner on so many levels. The technical elements are all there : clear details, clean colours, crisp details, etc
However, it is the moment that you have captured that really grabs me - the threat seems clear to me and is made all the more clear by your composition -- the teeth appear very close to the "powerpoint"

this is not a creature whose "bark is worse than his bite" - when he opens his mouth, back off buddy :)
TFs
silke
P.S. Sorry I have been away for so long due to illness, operation etc -- and I really didn't mean to get everyone so hot under the collar with my question. I stumbled into something that made no sense, nothing more. Very sorry!

  • Great 
  • Ken52 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 639 W: 98 N: 1241] (4189)
  • [2008-07-21 22:35]

Technically outstanding. I love the exposure and detail. Also high interest and powerful photo!

After reading your comprehensive note based on a plethora of resources, I looked at your picture of a dead crocodile with deep compassion and concern, Loot.
The government of your country, I'm confident, would do their best to bring the situation under control because it is the beginning of a crisis and not the culmination of it yet.

It is not possible to describe your image in positive epithets or adulatory adjectives because it is a grim reminder of a harsh reality -- rapid and steady desiccation and destruction of earth through human intervention.

Thanks for leaving me in a reflective state of mind through this powerful post.

Ram

  • Great 
  • Argus Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3327 W: 172 N: 10033] (31274)
  • [2008-07-22 6:59]

Hello Loot,
A great portrait of a Nile Crocadile taken from your archives, but with a sad story behind it. A classic open-jaw shot that is pretty close to perfect.
We are having problems with the Baltic, caused by agricultural and other effluents dumping nitrates and phosphates into it. One of the results is the upsurge of Cyanobacteria during the summer, causing many bathing beaches to be unbathable because of cyanotoxins.
We are in the process of killing this planet and much of the life on it, including H. sapiens in the long run. The question is: what can we do about it?
Thanks for sharing this fine image and the environmental report.
Best regards, Ivan

Hi loot
Just marking for now

  • Great 
  • manyee Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3028 W: 226 N: 5985] (20449)
  • [2008-07-22 9:10]

Hi Loot,
This is possibly the best croc shot I have ever seen.
The light on it is superb, which really helps in highlighting every scale to the sharpest degree. Its position in the water offers a perfect BG to show off this beautiful specimen. The formidable open mouth is just icing on the cake. What a sad story you told us in the notes. I hope they find a way to stop that biological disaster.
TFS. : )

Hello Loot. Interesting note but a sad story indeed. The hard work of the personnel of the Kruger Park is well appreciated. Mysterious maybe but many of these phenomenon are caused by carelessness on the human part.
Excellent shot of this croc with the foreground matching the skin of this animal. Very sharp image and I like the ripples on the blue water. Thanks for sharing the image and well documented note about the issue. Best regards and have a nice day. Jusni

Dear Loot,
a strikingly minimalized picture as sharp as that crocodile's teeth. And a story presenting hard facts that are deeply disturbing. Thank you for your alertness and for crying out loud to fight against those ignorant activities of spoiling waters and recklessly ruining preciously unique ecosystems.
With thanks, and all my best wishes,
Peter

Hi Loot,

Great shot of this magnificant beast the detail is all there in this fantastic capture of the nile 'Toothenator'. Very sad to hear the troublesome problems the wildlife is having, to me and and a large number of the people on this planet it is important to preserve it for future generation to come and possibly beyond, We also owe it to the animals as it is theirs as much as ours if not more. Man can be greedy a lot of the times, his blind thirst for profit will destroy the very thing that is most important to him.
Sorry it's been awhile since I've posted replies to the gang. Seems there is trouble in the TN community recently. Howard was telling me over our phone conversation yesterday. I hope everything gets back to normal.

Cheers my African friend,
Paul :)

That is a lotta croq we see here! Please don't misunderstand my remark by reading between the lines! I am not too keen on having one of these - or anything like it - here in Canuckland!

Whether in water or land, I'll pass!

Your Note, as we have come to expect, is noteworthy, even as it informs us about a terrible situation!

Using your excellent photoskills we see a monster here that , if on that dirt would likely be well camouflaged... Fortunately you shot him against the blue water! < Good PoV> Nice reflections too! How many EYES < and teeth > does such a "bute" have anyway???


Dankie Loot!

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