Fresh water eels in the Molweni River

By Chairperson Anthony Kee

The Molweni River rises at the Springside Nature reserve and flows through Hillcrest and Gillitts, falling into the Everton Gorge and thence on to Ezemvelo Nature Reserve and the area of Molweni. The river flows over Kloof Sandstone and is host to a number of special animals and fishes. We have eels in the river. There are four species of eels in South African rivers, all of which breed on the Mascarene basin, northeast of Madagascar. The eels lay their eggs there and the larvae, in the shape of a leaf, drift with the currents and tides, slowly turning into elvers about 2 to 3 cm long. These elvers enter our rivers and make their way upstream climbing cascades and waterfalls, they even climb water falls such as Kloof Falls and Howick Falls, working their way upstream until they find a suitable pool and there they stay for about twelve years until they are sexually mature. Freshwater eels have been found in the pool below Everton falls. Once sexually mature they make their way back downstream, out to sea and swim to the Mascarene basin where they breed and die.

Céline Hanzen is a PhD candidate who is researching the distribution, genetic diversity and behavioural ecology of freshwater eels and the implications for river management in KwaZulu-Natal.  As part of her research Everton Conservancy checked the Molweni river for two seasons but sadly found no sign of elvers.

When a school group helped build a bridge across the Molweni River, they disturbed a huge eel in the pool.

Save the Date:

2025 AGM

8 October

7pm

Details to follow

News and Past Events:

 AGM 8 October

Thank you to all who attended our AGM on 8 October and thank you to TWIMS for providing us with a good venue for the function. We enjoyed an extremely interesting talk from Jarryd Streicher, a post doctoral researcher from UKZN, on his research with small mammals and caracal in our area. We also heard presentations on the work of the conservancy and our financial situation from chairperson, Tony Kee, treasurer, Sonya Keyser, secretary, Betsy Kee, and committee member, Heather Balcomb.

Contact Us: 

FAQs

1.Can I bring my dog to walk in the Conservancy?

Dogs are very welcome in the Everton Park and the Eskotene Grassland. However, they are NOT permitted on the Gorge trails because of the impact that their presence will have on our precious wildlife.

    2.  How much does it cost to walk one of the trails?

We currently do not charge an entry fee to make use of our beautiful open spaces. However, we are a non-profit organisation and our work is reliant on donations so please be generous. See the details under Donations in this website or make use of the Zapper signs at our trails and parks.

3. What time do the areas open?

Our parks and trails are currently unfenced, so access is any time but your safety is at your own risk. 

4. Where do I park to walk in the Molweni Gorge? 

There is a limited amount of free parking at the Acutts Bridge. Parking is at your own risk and please do not park in a manner that impedes traffic flow.