Human Crocodile Conflict Research Articles

Current State of Mugger Populations.

The mugger (Crocodylus palustris) is a medium-sized crocodilian inhabiting South Asia. As a result of intensive hunting, its range declined drastically up till the 1970s. Currently, the world mugger population is fragmented and threatened mainly by habitat loss and the consequences of human-crocodile conflict, being classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN. The goal of this paper is to comprehensively determine the mugger's current range, and assess risks in notable habitats of the species across its range. To determine the range and notable habitats, extensive literature covering surveys, monitoring, population studies and reports of human-crocodile conflict was examined. Habitat suitability and risk assessment were performed by evaluating selected habitats using eight factors: the legal status of the area, elevation, surface water availability, water quality, salinity, availability of nesting and basking sites, interaction with humans and interspecific competition. Based on our findings, the chances of the mugger's survival varies greatly across its range and the threats they face are complex and often site-specific. Defining these threats is the first step for determining suitable risk mitigation efforts, some of which are explored in this review.

The Spatial Ecology of Nuisance Crocodiles: Movement Patterns of Relocated American Crocodiles (Crocodylus acutus) in Guanacaste, Costa Rica.

Anthropogenic alterations of the environment have increased, highlighting the need for human-wildlife coexistence and conflict mitigation. Spatial ecology, and the use of passive satellite movement technology in particular, has been used to identify patterns in human-wildlife conflict as a function of shared resources that present potential for dangerous situations. Here, we aim to remotely identify patterns indicative of human-crocodile conflict in Guanacaste, Costa Rica by exploring site fidelity and diverse modes of movement (i.e., land and water) across space between nuisance (relocated) and non-nuisance (wild) crocodiles. Advanced satellite remote sensing technology provided near-constant movement data on individuals at the regional scale. Telonics Iridium SeaTrkr-4370-4 transmitters were used with modified crocodilian fitting. Results indicate that relocated crocodiles exhibited large-scale movements relative to wild crocodiles. Nuisance relocated crocodiles either returned to the area of nuisance or potentially attempted to in short time frames. The results presented here highlight the need for alternative management strategies that facilitate relocation efficacy.

Trends of Attacks on Humans by Protected Crocodiles Along Rivers and Associated Habitats in Borneo Island

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 human-crocodile 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.

Effects of translocation on American crocodile movements and habitat use in South Florida

AbstractThe range of the threatened American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) in the United States is limited to the southernmost parts of Florida. As this species has recovered concurrently with an increasing human population, human–crocodile conflicts have also increased. Resolving conflicts can involve translocating crocodiles; however, they often return to the site from which they were removed. We examined the effects of translocation on crocodile movements, habitat use, body condition, and survival in Florida, USA, in 2018–2019 to refine recommendations for managers considering translocation to resolve human–crocodile conflict. We captured and attached global positioning system (GPS) units to 17 crocodiles, 10 of which served as a reference group (free‐ranging crocodiles released at their capture site) and 7 served as a treatment group (crocodiles that were translocated 14–158 km from their capture site). We collected location data from individual crocodiles for 34–661 days ( ~ 250 days for each group). Body condition was similar for both groups. Corticosterone levels measured periodically during handling indicated that crocodiles experienced increasing stress levels during handling. Three crocodiles translocated ≤45 km from their original capture site returned to that location within 13 days. Three crocodiles translocated ≥110 km did not return. One female translocated 152 km was recaptured 0.42 km from its original capture site 965 days after its release. We identified 2 states of characteristic movement patterns: state 1 indicated individuals moving slowly and somewhat randomly, and state 2 indicated individuals exhibiting fast, active directional movement. Translocated individuals were more likely than reference individuals to switch to, and stay in, state 2. Because of concerns regarding return rates and heightened stress as a result of capture and translocation, we suggest crocodile translocations have limited conservation value and may only be worth considering once all other reasonable options are exhausted.

Integrating social and ecological information to identify high-risk areas of human-crocodile conflict in the Indonesian Archipelago

Crocodile attacks on humans and subsequent retaliations are a pressing issue for saltwater crocodile conservation. As human-crocodile conflict is complex, integrating social and ecological information better explains the drivers and patterns of these interactions. Our study aims to incorporate ecological factors associated with the intensity of crocodile attacks together with social factors of mass media reports to identify high-risk areas of human-crocodile conflict in Indonesia. We compiled reports of crocodile attacks in the 2010–2019 period from media reports, field surveys, and local informants. The presence of attack was estimated by evaluating the influence of habitat, climate, human, and reporting effort. As tone of media coverage can reflect and shape reader's tolerance about a certain issue, we assessed the headline's tone from each media article that reported crocodile attacks from 2017 to 2019. A total of 665 crocodile attacks were recorded and mainly distributed in western and central Indonesia. The estimated number of crocodile attacks was higher in areas with lower forest biomass and human density, and wider cellular network coverage. Negative media coverages were frequently reported in western Indonesia. By combining social information of negative media reporting and the ecological information of crocodile attacks hotspots, we identified 170,500 km2 priority risk areas in the western part of Indonesia, a notable 65.8 % reduction in area size compared to the attack hotspots. We highlight the application of socio-ecological information in risk prioritization to address the rising trends of negative human-wildlife interactions.

The Media Verification of Hoaxes about Human-Crocodile Conflicts

The human-crocodile conflict frequently happens in Indonesia. Based on the data from http://www.crocodile-attack.info/, it is claimed that Indonesia is a country with the most cases of crocodile attacks. Mostly the attacks involved the saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus). On the other hand, this conflict is worsened by the spread of inaccurate information among communities. From October 2019 to October 2021, there were 12 false stories about crocodile attacks. These hoaxes were distributed on social media, causing fear to those who consumed the information. It is crucial to be investigated, especially from the perspective of environmental journalism. This study describes how mainstream media outlets tried to clarify the hoaxes. The results show many materials contained by information disorder, which need to be clarified by the media to ensure clarity and truth for the public. This study finds that most mainstream media still have their conscience to protect the public from false information. It was done by practicing curation journalism that includes the discipline of verification. In conclusion, the media and information sources need to have a good comprehension of crocodile behavior. The research also catches the need for environmental journalism training for media practitioners in Indonesia. Thus, the media will be able to offer the best solution for reducing the attack while at the same time giving adequate education for the public to live in harmony with Indonesian flora and fauna.

Adaptive co‐management, co‐existence or just wildlife conservation? Case study of the human and Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) conflicts in Ngezi Dam, Mashonaland West, Zimbabwe

AbstractIncreased human–wildlife conflicts in shared and partially closed conservation areas encompassing terrestrial and aquatic systems such as Ngezi Dam in Zimbabwe may arise from competing uses. This case study aimed to (i) estimate the abundance and distribution of Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus), (ii) identify potential human–crocodile conflict hotspots, (iii) assess the perceptions and attitudes of Ngezi Dam side communities towards crocodiles and their effects on rural livelihoods and (iv) examine the application of co‐existence and adaptive co‐management concepts in human–crocodile conflict resolution. A mixed‐methods research approach integrating field surveys, focus group discussions and face‐to‐face interviews was used to collect data on crocodiles and human communities. A total of 54 and 57 Nile crocodiles were observed in 2017 and 2018, respectively, with no significant spatiotemporal differences (p > 0.05) in crocodile abundances. Crocodile hotspots (Getis‐Ord >1.96) detected round the dam indicated potential human–crocodile‐livestock conflicts. Most respondents (76%) showed a negative attitude towards crocodiles, which they indicated destroy livelihoods through injury, death and livestock depredation. The lopsided losses, for example human injuries and fatalities, loss of fishing equipment and livestock in human–crocodile conflicts drawn from this case study reflected a need to delicately recalibrate the contextualised optimisation and balanced implementation of conservation, co‐management and human needs in shared landscapes. Astute crocodile conservation whilst offsetting human needs requires an inductive rather than deductive perspective lens. We propose a human–crocodile conflict contextual resolution framework (HCCCR), which prioritises interactive adaptive co‐management in a specific context in shared conservation landscapes.

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.

An analysis of tomistoma (

Context Increasing human–crocodile conflict (HCC) is a major conservation and management issue. Although three species are responsible for most attacks, on occasion, some slender-snouted species, such as tomistoma (Tomistoma schlegelii), are also implicated. Aims To analyse reports of confirmed and suspected attacks on humans by tomistoma and explore potential causes and solutions. Methods Reports of attacks were collected for the CrocBITE project from January 2010 to December 2019, utilising media reports and communication with local authorities. Attack trends, including outcome, victim demographics and activities, geographic location, and other details were analysed. Key results We recorded 31 attacks, including 10 deaths, where the culprit species was confirmed or strongly suspected to be a tomistoma. The Jambi province of Sumatra was the site of most attacks and most victims were male and fishing at the time. In addition, most attacks were reported during the 3-year period from 2016 to 2018. Conclusions On rare occasions, tomistoma prey upon humans. Certain anthropogenic factors may be altering tomistoma behaviour and contributing to increased conflict. Implications Tomistoma were recently up listed from Vulnerable to Endangered on the IUCN Red List and this conflict is yet another threat facing the species, alongside the destruction habitat.

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.

Integrating local perspectives into conservation could facilitate human–crocodile coexistence in the Ayeyarwady Delta, Myanmar

AbstractConservation will always fail when it does not address the drivers of biodiversity loss, which in many cases involves understanding human behaviours and the attitudes that underlie them. The saltwater crocodile Crocodylus porosus is a keystone species in mangrove wetlands but also a dangerous predator that affects people's safety and livelihoods. Although saltwater crocodiles are protected under the Myanmar Biodiversity and Protected Area Law, the government has not integrated local people's attitudes into conservation and management. As a consequence, saltwater crocodiles, although categorized as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, are restricted to a single protected area, Meinmahlakyun Wildlife Sanctuary, in Myanmar. To examine local attitudes towards the species, we investigated local knowledge about the environment, crocodiles, habitats and threats, awareness of human–crocodile conflict, and perceptions of the benefits and impacts of saltwater crocodile conservation through questionnaires in 244 households in 17 villages. We found that people were highly knowledgeable about the local environment, saltwater crocodiles, and their habitats. People with seasonal livelihoods that rely on natural resources from Meinmahlakyun had negative attitudes towards crocodile conservation. People were likely to have negative attitudes if they perceived there were no benefits from conserving the species. Law enforcement through restricting resource access does not enhance conservation success and builds resentment towards the conservation of the species. Local people suggested that, as a basis for management, understanding risks posed by crocodiles was the best approach to facilitate human–crocodile coexistence in the Ayeyarwady delta region.

Human-crocodile conflict and attitude of local communities toward crocodile conservation in Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, Odisha, India

Where conservation programs aimed at rebuilding depleted populations of saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) have been successful, incentives for local people to support ongoing conservation action have been undermined by increasing rates of human-crocodile conflict (HCC), involving fatal and non-fatal attacks on people and livestock. In this study we report on HCC within the 672 km2 Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary (BWS), Odisha, India. Forest Department contain records of 51 attacks on people and 57 on cattle over 21 years (1996–2016). Human attacks were both fatal (45%) and non-fatal (55%), and were highest in the monsoon season (63%) and summer (23%) and lowest in the post-monsoon (10%) and winter (4%). The activities of people attacked were: domestic chores and crossing rivers (32%), defecating (24%), Bathing (22%), fishing (10%), paddy cultivation (8%) and grazing cattle (4%). Attacks on males (70%) were more common than on females (30%). No attacks on young children (0-10 years-of-age) were reported, and the most common age of victims was 40–50 yr (29%) and 20–30 yr (26%). Semi-structured interviews with the main household earning member in villages on the periphery of BWS (n = 57), revealed there was no notable influence of age, gender, and education on the perception and attitude of the local community but people who were affected negatively from the conflict tended to be negative toward the conservation of saltwater crocodiles. The findings of this research aim to serve the planning of mitigation strategies for future human crocodile conflicts in Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary.

Translocation, genetic structure and homing ability confirm geographic barriers disrupt saltwater crocodile movement and dispersal.

Translocated saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) in the Northern Territory (NT) of Australia often return to their original capture sites, which complicates management interventions aimed at reducing human-crocodile conflict. We examined the spatial events implicated in this homing ability, using ARGOS satellite tracking devices. Five large male C. porosus (3.03 m to 4.02 m TL) were shifted and released 100–320 km from their capture sites, and 3 additional ones (3.67 m to 4.23 m TL) were released at their site of capture as controls. Translocated crocodiles were more mobile than the controls, and moved at sea in the direction of their original capture site. However, they were unable or unwilling to swim around a geographic structure, Cobourg Peninsula, which prevented homing being achieved in all five cases. Two control crocodiles remained near their capture sites, but one, after the first year, made a 900km journey for six months, before returning to its original capture and release site. Genetic analysis of tissue samples from nests across the NT coast demonstrated significant genetic structure across the coast, and confirmed that Cobourg Peninsula contributes to genetic differentiation among populations along the NT coast. These results provide new insights into C. porosus movements, which have management significance for the maintenance of public safety.

Assessment of human–crocodile conflict in Mexico: patterns, trends and hotspots areas

An understanding of the factors, patterns of activities and seasonality per region that shape the response to the human–crocodile (HC) conflict in Mexico by humans is essential for prevention and mitigation of negative interactions. We compiled the publicly available data on incidents of crocodile attacks on the Gulf of Mexico and Mexican Pacific coast from January 2000 to the first days of January 2018. Of the recorded unprovoked crocodile attacks (n=149) on humans in Mexico, 102 cases correspond to the Mexican Pacific coast and 47 to the Gulf of Mexico. The age of victims involved in the majority of the attacks ranged from 19 to 40 years old. Three municipalities of high risk (hotspots areas) were Puerto Vallarta, Lázaro Cárdenas and Pinotepa Nacional in the Mexican Pacific coast, whereas, in the Gulf of Mexico, only Bénito Juárez was of high risk. To mitigate this conflict, it is necessary that local authorities in the municipalities (mainly in those of high risk) establish public-safety programs with the goal of raising awareness of the risk of crocodile attacks on the basis of information status and distribution of the crocodile population, linked to the extent of HC conflicts, as a first step for better management and risk mitigation.

When conservation becomes dangerous: Human‐Crocodile conflict in Timor‐Leste

ABSTRACTIn northern Australia and nearby Timor‐Leste, saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) populations were seriously depleted historically but recovered rapidly after protection: 1969–1974 in northern Australia, and 2000–2005 in Timor‐Leste. In both places, recovery caused increased rates of human‐crocodile conflict (HCC). Within northern Australia, the crocodile recovery and HCC have been documented over time. In contrast, this has not been the situation in Timor‐Leste, where we investigated HCC based on 130 attack records (1996–2014; 52% fatal). In 1996–2006, 0.55 attacks/year were reported in Timor‐Leste. By 2007–2014, 9 years later, a 23‐fold increase had occurred (13 attacks/year). Traditional subsistence fishing (82.5% of all attack records) is the highest risk activity, followed by bathing (7.5%) and water collecting (4.2%). Although the human population was correlated with crocodile attacks in Timor‐Leste, it likely does not explain the dramatic increase in crocodile attacks. Alternatively, crocodile numbers may have increased, either in the remnant resident crocodile population, or via migrants from elsewhere. Permanent crocodile habitat is limited, and limited breeding does not explain the high number of large crocodiles, and consequent increase in attacks in such a short time. A plausible explanation, consistent with traditional knowledge in Timor‐Leste, is that the influx of large crocodiles attacking people are migrants from Australia. We examined this possibility from available sources. Within Australia crocodiles have recovered since protection and they regularly invade adjacent habitats, such as Darwin harbor, where they are removed to prevent attacks on people. Saltwater crocodiles have been sighted at oil rigs, in the open ocean, moving between northern Australia and the south coast of Timor‐Leste. The likelihood of crocodiles migrating from Australia to Timor‐Leste raises obvious conservation, moral, and ethical dilemmas when conserving a large dangerous predator in one country to increase abundance results in dispersal to another country, where the predator attacks and kills people. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.

Mitigating the Human-Crocodile Conflict in Sri Lanka: A Study Based on the Nilwala River Area in Matara District

Human and crocodile have been coexisting for many years in Sri Lanka, particularly close to the Nilwala river area in Matara District, but fatalities were rarely reported. However, during the last decade the threats from crocodiles to humans have enhanced in the Nilwala river area, mainly during the years of 2005, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015. Some 26 attacks, killing 18 humans by saltwater crocodiles were recorded since 2000 in this area. In retaliation to these attacks, people in this area killed several crocodiles, and recorded the saltwater crocodile under the threatened category in Sri Lanka. Therefore, it is a worth to form a dialogue to mitigate human-crocodile conflict in the Nilwala river area in Sri Lanka. The Study was mainly based on primary and secondary data. Primary data was collected from semi-structured interviews. Sample size was consisted of forty-five (45) respondents. Secondary data was collected through published books, research reports, symposia proceedings, journal articles and web sites etc. Collected data from different sources, as mentioned above was analyzed using qualitative and quantitative methods, and it was presented using maps, texts, tables and figures. The study found that sand mining, population rise, using the river for daily needs such as drinking, bathing, washing clothes and fishing, unauthorized buildings in the river bank, scrub jungles, slow flowing of river are the major causes of the human-crocodile conflict in Nilwala river area. The study further found that Piladuwa, Fort and Thihagoda are the most vulnerable areas for human-crocodile conflict. "Kimbulkotuwa" or Crocodile Excluding Enclosure (CEEs) is a main method used to mitigate the human-crocodile conflict in this area.

<b>Review and analysis of human and Mugger Crocodile conflict in Gujarat, India from 1960 to 2013</b>

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 Gujarat. The most obvious contributors to HCC are lack of basic facilities in rural areas, poverty, illiteracy and the presence of adult animals close to human settlements and activities. Other contributing factors are lack of preventive measures by the forest department, absence of protocols for mugger crocodile rescue, and haphazard release of problematic animals.

Human–crocodile conflict in the Indian Sundarban: an analysis of spatio-temporal incidences in relation to people's livelihood

AbstractThe incidence of human–crocodile conflict is increasing, and fear of injury and loss of life is affecting public and political support for crocodile conservation. We studied conflicts between people and estuarine crocodiles Crocodylus porosus across socio-economic dimensions, using a spatio-temporal database. We collected data on 127 crocodile attacks that occurred during 2000–2013, through questionnaires including open- and close-ended questions, administered in 30 villages of five blocks of the Indian Sundarban. Most of the attacks (42%) occurred during winter (December–February), followed by the early monsoon (May–July; 27%). Almost 80% of victims were prawn seed collectors and were 11–50 years old, and 61.16% of victims died as a result of the attacks. Female victims accounted for a higher percentage of deaths (55.12%) than male victims (44.88%). Crocodile attacks were more common in the daytime than at night, with 76.35% of the killings occurring during 08.00–17.00. Most of the cases were recorded from Gosaba (34%), followed by Patharpratima (25.24%) and Namkhana (18.45%) blocks. The mean number of incidents per year was 9.07, with vulnerability and mortality rates of 0.07 and 0.04, respectively, per 10,000 persons. Existing management practices are insufficient to eliminate the risk of crocodile attacks and ensure the conservation of the Sundarban ecosystem. A comprehensive management plan for reducing dependency on forest resources is needed to minimize human–crocodile conflict.

Patterns of human–crocodile conflict in Queensland: a review of historical estuarine crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) management

Context In Queensland, the management of estuarine crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) by the government is important for ensuring public safety, especially along the populated east coast, where there is a large human population. Aims The present study aimed to determine historical, temporal and spatial patterns of human–crocodile conflict in Queensland. Methods The study used Queensland Government records of estuarine crocodile attacks (1971–2015), sightings by the general public (2003–2015), and removals and relocations for management purposes (1985–2015) to develop General Linear Models describing historical, temporal and spatial patterns. Key results The highest number of attacks, sightings, removals and relocations occurred along the populated east coast between Townsville and the Daintree during wet season months (November–February). There have been 35 crocodile attacks in Queensland since 1971 (total 0.8 per year; fatal 0.3 per year), mostly involving local people or regular visitors (77.1%), specifically adult males (71.4%; mean age 44). There has been an increase in the rate of crocodile attacks over time, with an average of 1.3 per year since 1996, most of which were non-fatal (84%). The number of crocodile sightings has been increasing annually (with a mean of 348 per year since 2011), while the number of crocodiles removed or relocated for management purposes (n = 608) has fluctuating widely each year (range 1–57). Conclusions The level of human–crocodile conflict in Queensland is increasing, and this is likely to be a consequence of increasing human and crocodile populations. While conflict is highest during the wet season, estuarine crocodiles pose a threat to public safety year round. Implications With the increase in conflict, the ongoing management of estuarine crocodiles, through targeted removals in and around areas of higher human habitation and through education, is essential for ensuring public safety into the future.

People and Crocodiles Sharing One Environment: An Analysis of Local Human-Crocodile Conflict Management Strategies in the Philippines

People and Crocodiles Sharing One Environment: An Analysis of Local Human-Crocodile Conflict Management Strategies in the Philippines