Attacks in the Andamans
Down To Earth|November 16, 2016

Increasing human population, destruction of ecosystems by the tsunami and improper dumping of waste have spiked crocodile assaults on humans.

Vardhan Patankar and Vrushal Pendharkar
Attacks in the Andamans

AN UNUSUAL conflict is brewing in the picturesque islands of Andaman and Nicobar, home to one of last remaining habitats of the saltwater crocodile. Between 2005 and 2015, there have been 22 attacks by crocodiles on humans in these islands. Of these, 11 were fatal and the rest resulted in injuries. In contrast, prior to the tsunami of 2004, there were 20 attacks in 18 years.

But the seeds of increasing human-crocodile conflicts were sown even a decade before the tsunami. According to Harry Andrews, a herpetologist who has been working here for 20 years, heavy influx of migrants from Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh has disturbed the ecosystem. The number of migrants has increased—from 280,000 in 1991 to 360,000 in 2001. The current estimates suggest the figures could be close to 390,000.

To support an increasing human population, mangroves—the preferred habitat of crocodiles—found along the 1,982 km of coastline and freshwater creeks were cleared. “It is becoming increasingly difficult for crocodiles to find space, especially during the breeding season, when they prefer freshwater creeks and marshy areas to lay their eggs,” says Andrews. Most attacks occurred due to habitat destruction, he adds.

Tsunami impacts

The tsunami denuded 3,730 hectares of coastal vegetation in North Andaman and 7.5 per cent of the mangroves were damaged along the creeks of Little and South Andaman. According to a report compiled by a late scientist who pioneered research in the Andaman, Ravi Sankaran, the tsunami caused 50 per cent more damage than anthropogenic disturbances.

This story is from the November 16, 2016 edition of Down To Earth.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the November 16, 2016 edition of Down To Earth.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM DOWN TO EARTHView All
In leading role again
Down To Earth

In leading role again

MOVIES AND WEB SERIES ARE ONCE AGAIN BEING SET IN RUSTIC BACKGROUNDS, INDICATING A RECONNECT BETWEEN CINEMA AND THE COUNTRYSIDE

time-read
5 mins  |
December 16, 2024
One Nation One Subscription comes at a huge cost
Down To Earth

One Nation One Subscription comes at a huge cost

As top US universities scrap big deals with top scientific publishers, India’s ONOS scheme seems flawed and outdated

time-read
4 mins  |
December 16, 2024
Return of Rambhog
Down To Earth

Return of Rambhog

Bid to revive and sell the aromatic indigenous paddy variety has led to substantial profits for farmers in Uttar Pradesh's Terai region

time-read
4 mins  |
December 16, 2024
Scarred by mining
Down To Earth

Scarred by mining

Natural springs of Kashmir drying up due to illegal riverbed mining

time-read
5 mins  |
December 16, 2024
Human-to-human spread a mutation away
Down To Earth

Human-to-human spread a mutation away

CANADA IN mid-November confirmed its first human case of avian influenza, with a teenager in the British Columbia being hospitalised after contracting the H5N1 virus that causes the disease. The patient developed a severe form of the disease, also called bird flu, and had respiratory issues. There was no known cause of transmission.

time-read
1 min  |
December 16, 2024
True rehabilitation
Down To Earth

True rehabilitation

Residents of Madhya Pradesh's Kakdi village take relocation as an opportunity to undertake afforestation, develop sustainable practices

time-read
2 mins  |
December 16, 2024
INESCAPABLE THREAT
Down To Earth

INESCAPABLE THREAT

Chemical pollution is the most underrated and underreported risk of the 21st century that threatens all species and regions

time-read
10+ mins  |
December 16, 2024
THAT NIGHT, 40 YEARS AGO
Down To Earth

THAT NIGHT, 40 YEARS AGO

Bhopal gas disaster is a tragedy that people continue to face

time-read
8 mins  |
December 16, 2024
A JOKE, INDEED
Down To Earth

A JOKE, INDEED

A CONFERENCE OF IRRESPONSIBLE PARTIES THAT CREATED AN OPTICAL ILLUSION TO THE REALITY OF A NEW CLIMATE

time-read
10+ mins  |
December 01, 2024
THINGS FALL APART
Down To Earth

THINGS FALL APART

THE WORLD HAS MADE PROGRESS IN MITIGATING EMISSIONS AND ADAPTING TO CLIMATE IMPACTS. BUT THE PROGRESS REMAINS GROSSLY INADEQUATE

time-read
4 mins  |
December 01, 2024