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TThe St Lucia Estuary section of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park is known as the place where the wildlife roams freely. Entirely surrounded by dense vegetation means red duiker, bushbuck, mongoose, crocodiles, vervet monkeys, waterbuck and a myriad of birds are permanent residents.
St Lucia is home to various ecosystems which includes swamps, lake systems, coral reefs, beaches, wetlands, woodlands and coastal forests. The town lies in the heart of unspoilt beauty with plenty of wild life. Portions of this area have been a game reserve since as early as 1895.
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TThe St Lucia Estuary is home to more than 800 hippos and an estimated 1 200 crocodiles
iiSimangaliso CEO Sibusiso Bukhosini said that wildlife is one of the greatest draw cards to this southern section of the World Heritage site. Bukhosini said, there were few towns in the world with such a combination of warm ocean, golden beaches, prolific birds and wild animals peacefully cohabiting with residents and visitors.
Travellers often see hippos walk the roads or in gardens. While it may be fun to sight a wild animal, he encourages people to be vigilant and respect the animal. Lake St Lucia is rich in rare marine fossils, and research done here has indicated that the area started forming approximately 140 000 000 years ago.
St Lucia
“With a predominantly international visitor population and animals seeking their natural food close to human habitation in the leaner winter months, we remind visitors to be very vigilant when walking in town or in the forested areas to avoid any negative encounters, says Bukhosini.
“Wild animals have lived here for decades. They remain wild and are potentially dangerous defending their territory and young. The rule of thumb is to give them as wide a berth as possible, whether on foot or in a vehicle. Be especially aware of a hippo. If you must walk in town at night, use a powerful torch. Do not at any time be tempted to enter the estuary water. It is the crocodile you can’t see that poses the greatest risk,” he warns.
If you may see or hear any potentially dangerous or unlawful situations, snares, feeding of wildlife or provocation of animals, contact the 24-hour emergency line on 082 797 7944.
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