A recent survey reveals eight human deaths from crocodile attacks and ten cases of attacks resulting in minor injuries.

However, Anslem de Silva, Consultant Member, Crocodiles Specialists Group, World Conservation Union –IUCN- Species Survival Committee, says that he felt most of these accidents might have been prevented if the victims knew some of the basic safety measures.

He strongly recommends to the authorities to initiate a crocodile park, similar to the Madras Crocodile Bank and those in other countries. By setting up such a park, `man eaters and nuisance crocodiles could be housed. This could be a tourist attraction as well as an income- generating venture.

At the same time threats to nesting habitats must be identified and fishing- related mortality investigated. Catching as well as killing crocodiles for flesh must likewise be probed.

Recently Anslem was given the task of finding the status of the saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), inhabiting the Nilwala River, Matara District, and its impact on the community, by the IUCN Sri Lanka Country Office.

Romulus and Nik Whitaker, Madras Crocodile Bank, India, gave technical advice to this survey.

Anslem says the objective was to conduct a preliminary assessment on the status of the saltwater crocodile (C. porosus) inhabiting the Nilwala River, Matara and the status of its habitats and also to investigate the human-crocodile conflict situation in Matara and propose actions that should be taken to minimize this conflict as well as conserve the crocodiles and their mangrove habitats.

* Killing of supposed `man-eaters’, destroying eggs to control the growth of the species, killing of yearlings and sub adults which get trapped in fishing nets and drowning of some in fishing nets.

In fact, one fisherman informed Anslem of killing five sub-adult crocodiles that had got trapped in his fishing nets in the past.

Similar instances of fishery -related mortality were revealed while interviewing several fishermen. Furthermore, there is an increase in the fishing industry in Matara. Occasional attacks on humans give crocodiles a bad reputation. Just one confirmed man-eater inevitably leads to many of the crocodiles in the vicinity being killed.

Nearly 13 percent of Sri Lanka’s land is protected under the Department of Wildlife Conservation. The major natural habitats of the mugger (C. paluster) are in some of these wildlife reserves, such as Yala and Wilpattu National Parks.

However, some of the major and known habitats of estuarine crocodile (C. porosus) do not come under Wildlife or Forest Department protected areas. Thus, it is felt that immediate steps should be taken to protect the remaining saltwater crocodile population and the riverine mangroves of the Nilwala River, says Anslem.

* No serious attempt has been made to either plan or implement any crocodile conservation programmes in Sri Lanka

* The Dept of Wildlife Conservation, which implements the Fauna & Flora Protection Ordinance under which crocodile conservation falls, does not have the conservation of Sri Lanka crocodiles as a priority

* Lack of awareness of crocodiles, their biology , behaviour, etc among the Sri Lankans, especially those who live in crocodile areas, is also a serious constraint to crocodile conservation

* The increase in tourist arrivals and those of Southeast and East Asian-origin living in Sri Lanka, has brought in its wake an increase in demand for exotic flesh including that of crocodiles

* Increasing fishing industry and development projects do not take appropriate action to protect crocodiles or their habitats

Anslem conducted three awareness programmes on crocodiles on April 21st, 22nd and 23rd , 2008, at Fort, Piladuwa and at St. Mary’s Convent, Matara. The latter was for Advanced Level students from St. Servatius' College and St. Mary’s Convent, Matara.

* Introduction to crocodiles of the world and those of Sri Lanka

* Details of the Nilwala River crocodile survey

* Facts about crocodile attacks

* Safety measures one should take from possible crocodile attacks

* Importance of crocodiles in aquatic ecosystems and their conservation

The present study is the first comprehensive study on the status of the saltwater crocodile (C. porosus) inhabiting the Nilwala River, Matara. This study is considered comprehensive as it includes assessments of the habitats of the crocodiles, status of prey species, predators, human impact, and human-crocodile conflict situation in Matara. Assessment of the Knowledge and attitudes of the vulnerable people towards crocodiles, and the investigation of deaths due to crocodile attacks.

In addition to the study, awareness programmes among the people who are vulnerable in Fort and Piladuwa, Matara, and on methods for protection from crocodile attacks as well as the importance of conserving these reptiles, were conducted.

The KAP -Knowledge, Attitude and Practice- survey indicated that vulnerable people were unaware of most of the general facts about crocodiles. Similar KAP studies conducted in other parts of the country on the knowledge and attitudes of the inhabitants of these two ecosystems towards wildlife, also indicated similar responses.

However, many important and interesting facts could be learnt about the activities of crocodiles from these people as they observe them daily, added Anslem.

Regarding the human-crocodile conflict and attacks, investigations revealed that in all cases studied, the fault was on the part of human beings. Yet many use insecure crocodile pens for bathing and washing. Thus, an intensive awareness programme coupled with protective measures, like installing crocodile-pens , crocodile-fences and installing warning sign boards in risk areas, should be carried out.

As far as crocodile attacks on pet and farm animals are concerned, most of these attacks have taken place in the river-land interface, pointing to negligence by the respective owners of these animals.

During the survey of residents living near the river, Anslem observed that some tie their dogs in the backyard of their homes adjoining the river, which prompts the dog to bark at the slightest disturbance. This unfortunately helps to attract crocodiles. the survey, we encountered five such cases," he says.

The following recommendations will help minimize the human-crocodile conflict situation in Matara, as well as help to conserve crocodylus porosus and its habitats, which are among the best remaining natural habitats of the saltwater crocodile in the country.

* Obtain official permission from the relevant authorities before erecting any structures in the river or riverbanks

* Conduct awareness programmes among the vulnerable people, such as those who live by the side of the Nilwala River, fishermen, and those who use the river for fishing, bathing and washing clothes

* Install proper crocodile pens in places frequented by the community. The ideal pen should be fenced from all four sides, with a door to enter the pen

It is possible that when crocodiles wander on land at night they could enter the pen accidentally. Enquiries made from people who used crocodile pens for many years revealed incidents where crocodiles have been found inside these pens

* Installing crocodile fences where crocodiles are found during the night. These fences should be installed so that they will leave some land space for the crocodiles to prowl at night where they are used to doing so