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lake Mtera (Figure 4)
This is a new Iake which supports a high density offishermen. No crocodiles were seen during
a survey of approximately 35 km of the western end.
Rukwa Region - Katavi Plains National park
Iake Rukwa (Figure 5)
The level of Lake Rukwa has recently (isen and this was evidenced by drowned trees along the
shoreline. Channels ofthe Rungwa and Kaluu rivers were located by the dtowned tree fringe
which extended out into the lake. Part of the western and northe$ ihores were surveyed but
only three crocodiles were seen. Lake Rukwa has the reputation olsupporting a targe crocodile
population (e.9. Hirji, 1986) and more rhan l? 000 crocodiles are thoughto have been shot
here (Hutton and Katalihwa, 1988). Lakes are notoriously difficuk to survey and a survey of
Cahora Bassa in Mozambique in 1987 showed very few crocodiles in an are; that was later to
support a cropping exercise of 3 000 animals (Games, Zohlo and Chande. lggg). Further
investigation of Lake Rukwa is clearly needed.
Figure 5t Lake Rukwa, Lake Chada, Kavuu and Rungwa crocodile surveys - 1990