Dear MEL Topic Readers,
Why Indonesia can’t stop crocodile attacks
The saltwater crocodile is the largest living reptile, and adult males
can reach 7 meters and weigh a ton. Named for its ability to survive in full-salinity
seawater, saltwater crocodiles typically live in low-salinity water near the
coast. It is estimated that there are about 20,000 to 30,000 saltwater
crocodiles worldwide, and Indonesia is one of the most important habitats. Though
most crocodiles are relatively harmless and would avoid humans rather than
confronting them, saltwater crocodiles show aggression towards people because
of their strong territoriality. In fact, Indonesia sees more saltwater crocodile
attacks than other countries. About 100 cases each year in the last decade and the
number is increasing. As their natural habitats have been squeezed by illegal
tin miners, saltwater crocodiles now live in abandoned and active mining pits near
human habitats. What actions have been taken to protect both humans and the crocodiles?
Read the article and learn about why there are so many saltwater
crocodile attacks in Indonesia.
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