Crocodile Attack Research Articles

Analysis of the Anomalies in a Middle Eocene Shell of Neochelys (Pleurodira, Podocnemididae) from the Duero Basin (Zamora, Spain)

Turtle shells frequently exhibit anomalous osseous modifications on their surface which can sometimes compromise the survival of the organism. Nowadays, despite the large number of anomalies identified in both extant and extinct turtle shells, the etiology, as well as the pathogenesis, of the various osseous modifications remains unknown in most documented extinct representatives. In fact, the interpretation of these anomalies in most fossil turtles is often speculative, the great majority of anomalous osseous modifications being attributed to vertebrate feeding traces, without considering other potential causative agents. In this context, we herein re-analyzed the shell anomalies recognized in an individual determined as Neochelys sp. (Pleurodira, Podocnemididae) from the middle Eocene (Lutetian) of the El Tejar fossil site (Corrales del Vino, Zamora, Spain), previously proposed as traumatic injuries resulting from a crocodile attack. The re-evaluation of these osseous alterations through detailed physical examination, comparison through direct observation and from the literature on extant turtles, and the use of the files obtained from a computerized axial tomography scan, allows the proposal of diverse causal agents, none of them supporting the previous interpretation. In addition, information regarding the pathogenesis and stages of the healing of the shell anomalies studied herein is provided.

Calmness instead of panicking: a reverse strategy to fight a crocodile attack using downside risk

PurposeHeuristics are a less complex and more understandable way to a more straightforward, astute and brisk basic decision-making strategy. The purpose of this study is the development of a rule of thumb called the “Crocodile rule” based on downside risk.Design/methodology/approachThe crocodile rule is developed and tested in two steps by using data in the form of stock portfolios of the Pakistan Stock Exchange from January 2000 to November 2017. In the first phase of the study, researchers have forecasted the probabilities, while in the second phase, the researchers have used these probabilities to test the crocodile rule.FindingsThe findings show the acceptance of the null hypothesis, forecasting error for all categories of stocks for the first phase. The results also show that the minimum recovery chance is 58%, and the maximum recovery chance is 81% with an overall average of 69% chance of recovery. All recovery probabilities are above 50% for all portfolios; this is particularly impressive for a volatile market like Pakistan.Research limitations/implicationsThe study also proposes another performance measure such as “value-at-risk” and compare it with present results to yield better outcomes. Furthermore, other categories of stock like profitability and growth can be tested as well.Practical implicationsThe practical application of this rule is a choice between a “Buy-and-hold” strategy and showing myopic behavior as another extreme.Originality/valueThis pioneering research focuses on the development of the “Crocodile rule” by using the lower partial moments as a proxy of downside risk. This research adds value to the existing literature on performance measures. Furthermore, it also highlights and indicates which strategy should be used by the investors in case of falling trends in the market.

Human-Crocodile Conflicts in Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo: An analysis of crocodile attacks from 2000 until 2020

Crocodiles have caused a relatively high number of fatalities towards local people in Sarawak, a Malaysian state in Borneo. However, they have important cultural values and are well respected by the riverine communities in the state. The objective of this study is to determine the patterns of human-crocodile conflict in Sarawak which could help in managing the problems between crocodile and human. Information on crocodile attacks were collected from multiple sources including records kept by local authority, media or CrocBITE database. Over a 21 years period (year 2000-2020), the record attacks (n=164) showed a balance between fatal and non-fatal cases. Most common victims in Sarawak were male (86.6%) and adults from the age of 31 to 40 years old (20.7%). The attacks occurred more during the daylight (59.4%), with the peak time for crocodile attacks was approximately between 1800 to 2359 hours (33.3%). Crocodile attacks occur slightly more during the wet season, from October to March (54.0%), with the highest one recorded in March (16.8%). Fishing (26.2%) and bathing (22.0%) in the rivers possess the highest risk of crocodile attack, suggesting that crocodiles are more likely to attack when the victim is in the water. The findings imply that crocodiles' attack pattern in Sarawak is associated with the people’s activities pattern. There is a need to update the database on crocodile attacks in Sarawak on -real time basis as this will facilitate the relevant agencies in formulating the strategies to reduce the number of crocodile attacks and ensuring the safety of the riverine communities.

Crocodile Attack Injuries: A Failed Attempt to Conceal Homicide

Crocodile attacks are not uncommon in this region. There have been 92 cases reported since 2015 and 50 cases alone reported in Sarawak. Every year death has been attributed to a crocodile attack. An estimate of 71% of the total cases of crocodile attack ended up dead. However, there are instances where a crocodile attack happened after the death of a person. This is a case of an adult male who was reported missing. His body was found by two local anglers, being mauled by crocodiles. Only partial trunk and lower limbs were found, and the major organs were absent. The postmortem features of the crocodile attacks have been described.

MAPPING THE DISTRIBUTION OF SALTWATER CROCODILE (Crocodylus porosus) AND RISKS OF HUMAN-CROCODILE CONFLICTS IN SETTLEMENTS AROUND KUTAI NATIONAL PARK, EAST KALIMANTAN

Human-crocodile conflicts (HCC) are problems affecting crocodile conservation. Scientific publications on crocodile attack cases in Indonesia are few with low validation which hinder optimal conflict mitigation efforts. The estuarine river of Kutai National Park is a natural habitat for saltwater crocodiles and mostly nearby dense settlements. This study aims to map the distribution of saltwater crocodiles and potential conflicts in the Kutai National Park area. To predict the distribution of saltwater crocodiles, we used Maximum Entropy MAXENT with its environmental predictors i.e. slope, altitude, distance from shore, distance from river, temperature, and habitat types (mangrove forest, freshwater swamp, and shrubs). MAXENT prediction showed that elevation was the most influential variable with AUC (Average Under Curve) value of 0.952. Settlements with activities occurring within one kilometer from the river and those adjacent to coastal areas proved to be the highest in human conflicts with crocodiles. 
 Key words: conflict, crocodile, human, MAXENT

Saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) attacks in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia

Saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) are extensively distributed throughout South-east Asia, including the Indonesian province of East Nusa Tenggara (ENT), and they account for hundreds of attacks on people annually. Recorded incidents not only tell us where crocodiles are found (useful when survey data are limited), but importantly can improve our understanding of causal factors to better address risk. We compiled public attack records for ENT on humans from 2009 to 2018 using an online database of incidents (CrocBITE), then worked closely with government representatives to visit human–crocodile conflict (HCC) hot spots, where some unreported attack records were collected, and local attitudes towards crocodiles could be assessed. Of the 100 attacks we compiled, 60% were fatal incidents. Most victims were male (84%) and most attacks (75%) occurred during fishing. West Timor had the highest proportion of attacks (70%). Cultural attitudes towards crocodiles were found to be generally positive throughout ENT, similar to neighbouring Timor-Leste, although recent media stories appear to have introduced some negative beliefs and fears. We recommend that resources and training are made available to improve local crocodile knowledge, including habitat surveys in proximity to conflict areas, plus community-based education where the risk of crocodile attack is high.

Analysis of Fish Market Chain: The Case of Abobo District, Agnwua Zone, Gambella, Ethiopia

The study was conducted in Abobo district, Agnwua zone in Gambella, Ethiopia. The study aim at analysis of fish market chain. Despite some study were carried out in different regions of the country which provided empirical evidence for the improvement of the fish market chain, no study was undertaken in the study area. As a result, there is strong need to study market chain in the study area. Therefore multistage samplings were used to select district from the zone, producer and traders. Thus primary were collected from randomly selected 124 producer using semi structure interviews. Then 30 fish trader were selected purposively. Thus, Primary data were collected by using semi structure interviews, key informant, focus group discussion and field observation for both fish producer and trader. Descriptive statistics were used to characterizing fish producer, traders, market performance. Econometric model were used to identify factors determining fish supply. Fish producer are confronted with seasonality and weather, lack motorized boat, lack of government support, fishing net theft and crocodile attack problem. While in marketing, price fluctuation, lack of market information, lack of transport, poor linkage with traders, perishability and lack of proper storage facility are the major problems. MLR result confirmed that, family size, distance to market, access to off farm are the factors determining quantity of fish marketed and exceptional to total quantity of fish produced other variable affected negative. The top four fish traders controlled 66.49% of fish trading. Therefore fish markets are strong oligopoly market. Thus, market performances are inefficient in channels IV and V. Thus, wholesalers marketing margin share is highest while producer is lowest from TGMM. To enhance the ability of fish producer to produce market structure government has develop cooperative to enhance the bargain power it believed to be way to improve it structure. Based on finding the following recommendations are forwarded. Therefore, government, and stakeholder has to play crucial role in addressing problem determining quantity fresh fish marketed and to enhance quantity of fish supply to market by fish producer. Keywords: Fisheries, Abobo, Market performance, multiple linear regression. DOI : 10.7176/DCS/10-1-04 Publication date: January 31 st 2020

Dead or Alive? Factors Affecting the Survival of Victims during Attacks by Saltwater Crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) in Australia.

Conflicts between humans and crocodilians are a widespread conservation challenge and the number of crocodile attacks is increasing worldwide. We identified the factors that most effectively decide whether a victim is injured or killed in a crocodile attack by fitting generalized linear models to a 42-year dataset of 87 attacks (27 fatal and 60 non-fatal) by saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) in Australia. The models showed that the most influential factors were the difference in body mass between crocodile and victim, and the position of victim in relation to the water at the time of an attack. In-water position (for diving, swimming, and wading) had a higher risk than on-water (boating) or on-land (fishing, and hunting near the water's edge) positions. In the in-water position a 75 kg person would have a relatively high probability of survival (0.81) if attacked by a 300 cm crocodile, but the probability becomes much lower (0.17) with a 400 cm crocodile. If attacked by a crocodile larger than 450 cm, the survival probability would be extremely low (<0.05) regardless of the victim’s size. These results indicate that the main cause of death during a crocodile attack is drowning and larger crocodiles can drag a victim more easily into deeper water. A higher risk associated with a larger crocodile in relation to victim’s size is highlighted by children’s vulnerability to fatal attacks. Since the first recently recorded fatal attack involving a child in 2006, six out of nine fatal attacks (66.7%) involved children, and the average body size of crocodiles responsible for these fatal attacks was considerably smaller (384 cm, 223 kg) than that of crocodiles that killed adults (450 cm, 324 kg) during the same period (2006–2014). These results suggest that culling programs targeting larger crocodiles may not be an effective management option to improve safety for children.

Predicting the probability of large carnivore occurrence: a strategy to promote crocodile and human coexistence

AbstractPreserving large carnivores that perceive humans as prey brings conservation values into direct conflict with human security. Informing when and where humans and large carnivores occupy the same space may reduce attack frequency and promote coexistence. Here, we demonstrate a methodology to better understand the spatiotemporal relationship between a population of large carnivores and humans. The carnivore of study was the estuarine crocodile Crocodylus porosus, a large semi‐aquatic predator responsible for 705 recorded human attacks over the last 20 years. Crocodiles were captured every August over 3 years and individuals greater than 2.5 m in length were implanted with an acoustic transmitter (n = 84). The transmitter emitted a coded pulse detected when in proximity to underwater hydrophones deployed throughout the river. The telemetry data informed which previously captured crocodiles were present during subsequent trapping episodes and adult population size was estimated using a closed‐population model. Over 3 years, 24 of the tagged crocodiles were detected 269 times moving through a shallow‐water area where humans frequently entered the water. The tagged crocodile presence was extrapolated to the population level to provide a probability of adult crocodile presence across a range of temporal scales. The results showed that between September and December, the probability of crocodile presence within the human entry zone was 0.97 ± 0.01 during darkness but decreased to 0.07 ± 0.01 during daylight, except around periods of high tide when it increased to 0.71 ± 0.02. Human visitors confined their activity to shallow water during daylight hours, but no consideration was given to the significant rise in crocodile presence with season and tide. The observed patterns in crocodile and human behaviour, around this shallow‐water river crossing, exhibited parallels with historical incidences of crocodile attack.

A 9 year analysis of drowning in children and adolescents aged 5–19 years in Australia, 2002–2011

BackgroundThere has been limited analysis and exploration of drowning deaths that occur in children aged 5–19 years.Aims/Objectives/PurposeTo undertake an analysis of drowning deaths of children 5–19 years in Australia.To explore...

Crocodile ecology and the taphonomy of early Australasian sites

Humans and human ancestors have exploited wetland resources for at least two million years. The most significant predators in these landscapes are crocodiles, which leads to two potential taphonomic problems: 1) human-accumulated bones may become intermingled with crocodile-modified bones; and 2) hominins themselves may have been victims of crocodiles. Davidson and Solomon (1990) significantly contributed to this literature through theirsuggestion that a crocodile attack led to the tooth marks on the type specimen of Homo habilis (OH 7) found in Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania. The Australasian tropics were also home to a variety of crocodilian species, crocodile damage to hominin bones being inferred in Trinil and Sangiran, Java. Furthermore, two Pleistocene Australian archaeological sites have stone artefacts in association with crocodile-damaged bone. A referential taphonomic framework is needed to understand the degree and nature of crocodile-hominin interactions on paleolandscapes of Sunda, the ancient Pleistocene landmass incorporating the islands of SE Asia, and Sahul, the Pleistocene landmass of ancient Australia incorporating Papua New Guinea, Australia and Tasmania. This paper provides initial results from crocodile feeding experiments aimed at characterising feeding damage inflicted on bones by the largest extant Australasian crocodile, Crocodylus porosus. Due to close similarity among Crocodylus species in dental and cranial morphology there are some general patterns in the way they modify bones. However, some differences arise when the taphonomic signatures are compared to those of the Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus). We suggest that these differences are attributable to evolved differences in the feeding ecologies of the two species.

Living with predators: a focus on the issues of human - crocodile conflict within the lower Zambezi valley

Context Human–wildlife conflict is a global problem and increasing worldwide as people and wildlife compete for limited resources. Conflict between people and crocodiles, especially in Africa, is recognised as a serious problem. The people of the Chiawa Game Management Area are heavily dependent on the Zambezi River for several resources from potable water and irrigating fields to a source of food (subsistence and small-scale commercial fishing). Aims To assess the spatial and temporal scale of human–crocodile conflict (HCC) and identify associated factors, with a view to recommending mitigation measures. Methods A questionnaire survey and Zambia Wildlife Authority data were utilised to estimate the scale of HCC. Key results Between 2000 and 2009, there were 98 crocodile attacks on people, 62.2% were fatal. Most of the attacks occurred while canoe fishing (57.1%) and collecting water (29.6%). Crocodiles were disliked and seen as a ‘problem’ by the majority of the populace. Even though crocodiles are a charismatic mega-fauna species, being employed within the tourism industry had only a minor positive effect on people’s attitudes. The area is an important location for crocodile egg and adult harvesting, although the local population gains no financial benefit. An increase in the number of boreholes in the villages was suggested by the local people as the primary mitigation measure, as well as the removal of crocodiles by various means. Conclusions Although people displayed an understanding of the risks of crocodile attack, very few actually employed mitigation techniques or utilised protective barriers when at the river. Increased water-access points (and their maintenance) in the villages would reduce people’s dependency on the river. The negative attitude towards crocodiles is an issue that has to be addressed to allow successful implementation of long-term conservation strategies. Implications Understanding local people’s attitudes towards wildlife is an important aspect within any conservation management plan.Competition for limited resources by people and wildlife is guaranteed to cause confrontations. The existing mitigation for human crocodile conflict in Zambia is ineffective. The negative attitude towards wildlife needs to be addressed and a suitable response formulated. The most favoured type of mitigation suggested by local people was more boreholes and the removal of crocodiles. Photograph by Kevin Wallace.

Human–wildlife conflict in Mozambique: a national perspective, with emphasis on wildlife attacks on humans

AbstractHuman–wildlife conflicts are common across Africa. In Mozambique, official records show that wildlife killed 265 people during 27 months (July 2006 to September 2008). Crocodile Crocodylus niloticus, lion Panthera leo, elephant Loxodonta africana and hippopotamus Hippopotamus amphibius caused most deaths but crocodiles were responsible for 66%. Crocodile attacks occurred across Mozambique but 53% of deaths occurred in districts bordering Lake Cabora Bassa and the Zambezi River. Hippopotamus attacks were also concentrated here. Lion attacks occurred mainly in northern Mozambique and, while people were attacked by elephants across the country, 67% of deaths occurred in northern Mozambique. Attacks by lions, elephants or hippopotamuses were relatively rare but additional data will probably show that attacks by these species are more widespread than the preliminary records suggest. Buffalo Syncerus caffer, hyaena Crocuta crocuta and leopard Panthera pardus were minor conflict species. Good land-use planning, a long-term solution to many conflicts, is particularly relevant in Mozambique, where the crocodile and hippopotamus populations of protected areas are often in rivers that border these areas, and cause conflicts outside them, and where people commonly live within protected areas. Poverty may prompt fishermen to risk crocodile attack by entering rivers or lakes. The high incidence of conflicts near Limpopo and South Africa’s Kruger National Parks (both within the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area) highlights the problems created for people by facilitating the unrestricted movement of wildlife between protected areas across their land.

Crocodile Attacks in Australia: Challenges for Injury Prevention and Trauma Care

Saltwater crocodiles are formidable predators in northern Australia, and crocodile attacks on humans are not rare. With recent deaths highlighting this as a public health issue, an evidence-based discourse about effective methods of minimizing the danger to humans is needed. Using the Haddon Matrix for injury prevention, approaches to minimizing crocodile associated death and injury were sought. Possibilities for harm minimization before, during and after a crocodile attack are identified, and their merits appraised. The importance of excellent prehospital and surgical and critical care is emphasized. A combination of behavior adaptation, mutual respect, and minimizing contact will be the key to minimizing the harm from attacks, and excellent medical and surgical care will always be necessary for those unfortunate to be victims but fortunate to survive.

Caiman Bite

Caiman crocodilus, commonly called the spectacled caiman, is a very widely distributed resident of the western-hemisphere wetlands. Caiman bites to humans can cause trauma and infection. There are few reports of caiman bites; however, there is information about bites by other members of the same family, including Alligator mississippiensis. A case of acute caiman bite to the hand is described, including initial treatment and outcome. The bite resulted in multiple lacerations, interarticular fracture, and infection. One of the lacerations was closed, and the patient was started on moxifloxacin hydrochloride. Preventive care and treatment including wound care and antibiotics are discussed. The patient recovered with only a slight long-term functional deficit.

The Trial Intensive Management Area for Crocodiles: A Crocodile Removal Zone in Queensland, Australia

The Estuarine Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) is the world's largest living crocodile, and in Queensland it inhabits tropical coastal wetlands and waterways. From 1990 to 2001, there have been nine substantiated crocodile attacks on people in Queensland, resulting in one death and eight serious injuries. Several crocodile attacks occurred in the Cairns area during these years, and Cairns's popular swimming beaches have been closed on a number of occasions because of crocodiles. Human safety from crocodile attack is an issue of great public and political concern in Queensland. From May 1998 to June 2001, the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service operated a trial crocodile removal program in the Cairns area, with a removal zone that extended 70 km along the coast. The program was named the Trial Intensive Management Area for Crocodiles (TIMAC), and its primary purpose was to protect the Cairns's popular swimming beaches from crocodiles. The program was expanded to provide a problem crocodile response service throughout north Queensland and to train additional rangers in crocodile management skills. During the three years of the TIMAC program, 80 crocodiles were captured in north Queensland: 46 crocodiles from within the removal zone, and 34 from outside the removal zone. There were no crocodile attacks in the removal zone during the three-year trial program. At the request of local governments, the program became permanent in July 2001. In effect, Cairns is the only tropical city whose popular swimming beaches are protected by a combination of a lifeguard service, a shark control program, netted enclosures (seasonal) for protection from dangerous Box Jellyfish (Chironex fleckeri), and a crocodile removal program.

Habitats for humanity: Effects of visual affordance on the evolution of hominid antipredator communication

Habitats for humanity: Effects of visual affordance on the evolution of hominid antipredator communication