Crab Plover (Dromas ardeola)
This bird resembles a plover, but has very long grey legs and a strong heavy black bill similar to a tern. Its black-and-white plumage and long-necked upright posture with heavy bill makes it distinctive and unmistakable. Its bill is unique among waders, and specialised for eating crabs. It has partially webbed toes. The plumage is white except for black on its back and in the primary feathers of the wings.
The Crab Plover is a dramatic wader of tidal mudflats around the Indian Ocean. Its distribution is very localized. Since 1970, only nine active nesting colonies are known in the entire world. Over 1500 pairs nest in Iran, 300 pairs breed in the United Arab Emirates, 85 pairs in Oman, 110 pairs in Saudi Arabia, and an unknown number in Somalia (Rands 1996).It is a rare non breeding summer visitor on the Zululand Coast. It can be seen between October and March; frequently in Southern Sanctuary and sometimes in Catalina Bay St Lucia, Kosi Bay and Mlalazi.
Directions to Southern Sanctuary
From John Ross highway (R34), take the Western Central Arterial road, south direction. Drive until you reach the harbour boom gate. Carry on straight cross the iNsezi bridge until you see a green building (train workshop). Turn left there and cross the railway line. The KZN Wildlife gate is on your right after 15m from MTN Tower. From there proceed to the parking. The best time to find this bird is at the morning-low-tide with the good spotting scope.
GPS Coordinates
| Location | Latitude | Longitude |
| Habor boom gate | 28°47'19.08"S | 32°01'34.77"E |
| Green building Turn Off | 28°50'04.96" | 32°02'33.59"E |
| KZNWildlife gate | 28°50'09.90"S | 32°02'41.64"E |
| Parking | 34°01'48.87"S | 25°42'08.00"E |
Access permit
Send an email to the environmental manager or the assistant (details below) with your vehicle registration and your ID/passport number stating that you would like to do birding at the Sanctuary area at least 48 hours before your visit; they will submit your details to the securities at the gate.
The KZN Wildlife Gate Keys can be collected in their Office in Meerensee next to Shell Garage during the week only.
Nokuthula Mcinga
Environmental Manager, Transnet National Ports Authority
- E-mail: nokuthula.mcinga@transnet.net
- Tel: +27 (0)35 905 3033
Vuyo Keswa
Assistant Environmental Manager, Transnet National Ports Authority
- E-mail: Vuyo.Keswa2@transnet.net
- Tel: +27 (0)35 905 3342
Note: bring the copy of your email with you at the gate as proof of access permit