Crocodiles stranded as Severe drought hits water habitats in Sissala

Crocodiles are totems for some groups of people in Northern Ghana, particularly in the Sissala enclave of the Upper West Region.

The people revere the crocodiles and, therefore, protect them from any harm. Aside the belief system, these reptiles have also put the area on the world tourism map.

In fact, the Sissala enclave's contribution to tourism through these reptiles is legendary.
The communities where these reptiles are found are Taffiasi, Bujan, Nabugujan, Gwollu Wuljua and Duu East, all in the Sissala West District, as well as the Sissala East Municipality.

Drought However, the lives of these crocodiles are under serious threat as the ponds and pools that serve as thier habitats are drying up.

The freshwater habitats of the reptiles have been extensively altered due to human activities and climate change. 

The situation has compelled some of the reptiles to bask in the scorching sun, with others straying into nearby slush for summer dormancy. 

With the area reeling from severe drought with its ponds, pools and dams drying up, the crocodiles are having a field day exploring land.

Unfortunately, these crocodiles, as part of efforts to locate water bodies during the dry season, get killed by hunters and bushfires.
Their population is gradually declining as a result of the absence of water bodies.

Crocodiles are large semiaquatic (growing equally well in or adjacent to water) reptiles that live throughout the tropics in Africa, Asia, the Americas and Australia.

Crocodiles tend to congregate in freshwater habitats such as rivers, lakes, wetlands and sometimes in brackish water and saltwater.