Sideleau, B. and A.R.C. Britton, A.R.C. 2013. An analysis of crocodilian attacks worldwide for the period of 2008 - July 2013. Crocodiles. Proceedings of the 22nd Working Meeting of the IUCN-SSC Crocodile Specialist Group. IUCN: Gland, Switzerland: 110-113 (original) (raw)
Free related PDFsRelated papers
Free PDF
Oryx, 2019
Conflicts with wildlife are a major challenge for conservation across Africa, and Nile crocodiles Crocodylus niloticus are allegedly responsible for more attacks on people than any other species; however, there is a lack of data regarding such attacks. We analysed reported attacks on people by Nile crocodiles in South Africa and eSwatini (Swaziland) during 1949–2016, identifying spatial and temporal patterns in attack incidence, as well as victim demographics. Through a literature review and archival searches we identified records of 214 attacks. Most attacks occurred in natural water bodies, with attacks in dams increasing since 2000. Most victims were attacked while swimming or bathing, others while fishing, doing domestic chores, and crossing waterways. There was a significant relationship between gender and activity when attacked. Children (< 16 years old) accounted for 51% of all attacks, with a higher fatality rate compared to adults. Most victims were male (65%), with teen...
Free PDF
Russian Journal of Herpetology, 2022
Nile Crocodiles, Crocodylus niloticus, are widespread along the riverine systems and wetlands of East Africa, and may locally be involved into serious conflicts with local human communities. A research study was conducted to investigate Human-Crocodiles Conflicts (HCC) and its impacts on lives and livelihoods of local communities in the Sudd Wetlands in South Sudan (East Africa). The methodology involved face-to-face interviews and structured questionnaire to fishers and other persons from riverine communities. The questionnaire focused on (i) numbers of attacks by Nile Crocodiles on humans and livestock, (ii) months of attacks, (iii) locations of attacks, and (iv) activity of victims at the time of attacks, from 2018 to 2020. The majority of the interviewees responded that Nile Crocodiles do represent a serious threat to their lives: a total of 23 persons were attacked and killed by crocodiles between 2018 and 2020, with 100% of the attacks to humans being fatal. In addition, 166 h...
Free PDF
Review and analysis of human and Mugger Crocodile conflict in Gujarat, India from 1960 to 2013
Journal of Threatened Taxa
Human-Crocodile conflict (HCC) occurs to varying degrees around the World, and with a number of crocodilian species (CrocBITE 2013). The Mugger or Marsh Crocodile Crocodylus palustris found in Gujarat State is the crocodilian species responsible for conflict with local people. This paper is a compilation of HCC occurring in various parts of Gujarat from 1960 to 2013. A total of 64 crocodile attacks were recorded: 44 (24 fatal & 20 non-fatal) on males, and 20 (9 fatal & 11 non-fatal) on females. By region 52 HCC were recorded in central Gujarat; five in Saurashtra, four in the northern region and three in Kutch; no crocodile attacks were recorded in southern Gujarat. Of the two major river systems in central Gujarat, 41 attacks occurred within the Vishwamitri-Dhadhar River System and 11 in the Narmada system. Most crocodile attacks happened between the months of April and September, peaking in May with 14 attacks. These months are the peak breeding season for the species in G...
Free PDF
Using predator attack data to save lives, human and crocodilian
2015
As human populations grow and transform undeveloped lands and waterways, human–wildlife conflict inevitably increases. This is particularly problematic for large predators and the humans who live alongside them. Relatively little research has been conducted on alleviating adverse human encounters with one of the most significant predator species in Africa, the Nile crocodile Crocodylus niloticus. This short communication raises questions about some of the general statements made to explain the incidence of attacks by crocodiles. Some of the limitations of the data on such attacks are considered, with recommendations on what kinds of data are required. Data collection and analysis, and how they can inform more effective mitigation efforts, are discussed. See the visualisations of my long-term crocodile attack data for S Africa and Swaziland I developed at: http://www.crocodile-attack.info/data-viz
Free PDF
Journal of Tropical Biology and Conservation 20, 2023
In the human-crocodile conflict, crocodile attacks on humans pose a serious threat and are becoming a complex conservation challenge in many countries. This study investigates the status and trend of crocodile attacks on humans in Malaysian Borneo (i.e., Sabah and Sarawak) where rivers and estuaries are inhabited by protected crocodile populations. Results show that between 2001 and 2020, a total of 205 attacks were reported which equals an average of nearly 11 cases per year. The number of attacks in Sarawak is estimated to be between 135 to 164 cases which is twice (p < 0.05) as high as in Sabah (70 cases), indicating a more serious humancrocodile conflict in the former. In Sabah, most of the attacks (81% or 57 cases) (p < 0.05) were in the districts of Lahad Datu, Kinabatangan, Tawau and Sandakan while in Sarawak (82% or 60 cases) (p < 0.05) were in Miri, Sri Aman, Kuching and Betong. Almost 80% (173 cases) of the victims were men between the ages of 30 and 39 who were fishing (42%) (p < 0.05) or bathing (27%) before the attack suggesting that such activities are risky and should be avoided in areas inhabited by crocodiles. Fatality rates of crocodile attacks have been increasing in recent years (i.e., 2015-2020) with an average of 10 cases per year. Therefore, control over the number of crocodile populations, especially the large-sized and dangerous individuals, needs to be implemented in high-risk areas. More research is needed to understand the capacity of their habitats to support optimal populations density and minimize conflicts with humans.
Free PDF
Free PDF
Uniciencia, 2017
One of the largest populations of crocodiles in Costa Rica is located at the Tempisque River. The species is threatened by habitat loss and poaching; but its populations have grown due to the protection given by law. The research was conducted in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. We made a characterization of popular knowledge, activities and perceptions of 374 residents of the study area. It was found that 55% believe that the crocodiles are abundant, 70% believe that populations have increased. The most dangerous activities done are recreation, swimming and fishing. There are significant differences between the proportions of response (X2: 71, n = 10, p <0.0001 X2). These activities are done daily (25%), weekly (30%), monthly (18%) and annually (10%). The risk of attack and the crocodile’s density in the river are not recognized. Also, a lack of knowledge about the natural history and ecology of the species is shown. The reasons for attacks are: the…
Free PDF
Free PDF
Una de las mayores poblaciones de cocodrilos de Costa Rica se encuentra en el río Tempisque. La especie está amenazada por la pérdida de hábitat y la cacería, sin embargo, sus poblaciones han crecido debido a la protección otorgada por ley. El estudio se realizó en Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Se hizo una caracterización del conocimiento popular, actividades realizadas y percepciones de 374 residentes de la zona de estudio. Se encontró que el 55% piensa que el cocodrilo es abundante, 70% cree que las poblaciones han aumentado. Las actividades más peligrosas efectuadas son principalmente la recreación, natación y pesca artesanal. Entre ellas se encontraron diferencias significativas entre las proporciones de respuesta (X2: 71, n: 10, p <0.0001). Estas actividades se realizan diariamente (25%), semanalmente (30%), mensualmente (18%), anualmente (10%). No se reconocen los riesgos de ataque ni la densidad de cocodrilos en el río. Así mismo, se muestra una falta de conocimiento acerca la historia natural y ecología de la especie. Las razones de ataque son: la agresividad de los animales y su densidad, encontrándose diferencia entre las respuestas sobre las razones del ataque (X2: 35, n:8 p <0.0001). En general, la percepción de cocodrilo es desfavorable.
Free PDF
