In recent times, the Colombo District in Sri Lanka has witnessed a concerning surge in crocodile attacks, raising alarm among local communities and wildlife conservationists. A recent incident, reported on January 17, involved the tragic death of a 9-year-old boy named Disna Prabod.
While bathing in the Kelani River alongside his grandmother and younger brother, the child was snatched by a crocodile, prompting a frantic search operation by the Police Marine unit and Navy.
The search concluded with the recovery of Disna Prabod’s body nearly 500 metres downstream from where the attack occurred, casting a pall of grief over his family and the surrounding community. Post-mortem procedures, scheduled for January 18, will be conducted by the judicial medical officer of Colombo to ascertain the exact cause of death.
This incident underscores a growing trend of crocodile-human conflict in Sri Lanka, as highlighted by conservationist organisations like Mongabay.
One such incident recounted by Mongabay occurred in Akuressa, where severe flooding led to a 15-foot-long crocodile straying into a tea plantation, sparking panic among workers.
While tea estates are not typical habitats for saltwater crocodiles, heavy rains and flooding can displace these creatures, posing a direct threat to the human populations.
The Nilwala River, in Matara, has been identified as a hotspot for human-crocodile conflict, exacerbated by the frequent flooding events.
According to wildlife ranger Priyanath Sanjeewa, crocodiles often end up in human settlements as floodwaters recede, seeking refuge in temporary water holes or becoming trapped in unexpected locations such as culverts and paddy fields.
Social media posts warning of crocodile sightings have added to the anxiety, especially among flood victims displaced from their homes.
Experts like Anslem de Silva, a prominent herpetologist, and Dinal Samarasinghe, a researcher studying crocodiles in the Nilwala River, shed light on the ecological factors driving these conflicts.
Floods not only disrupt crocodile habitats but also destroy nesting sites, posing challenges to their reproduction and survival.
Despite the natural behaviour of crocodiles to avoid humans, increased human encroachment into their habitats exacerbates the risk of encounters.
Malindu Gajadeera, a social activist residing along the Nilwala River, laments the impact of these incidents on local communities, noting a decline in traditional activities like swimming due to fears of crocodile attacks.
Such sentiments are echoed by Chandana Sooriyabandara, Director General of the Wildlife Conservation Department, who urges vigilance and caution when navigating waterways inhabited by crocodiles.
Sooriyabandara says the impracticality of removing crocodiles from their habitats, citing their tendency to return despite relocation efforts.
Instead, he advocates for public awareness and informed precautions to mitigate the risk of encounters between humans and crocodiles. As crocodile attacks continue to pose a threat to human safety in Sri Lanka, concerted efforts from the authorities, conservationists, and communities are crucial to fostering coexistence and minimising conflicts between humans and wildlife.
