Mohamed bin Zayed Species project number 0905271

Project Overview
An investigation of the status of crocodiles and their habitats in Sri Lanka and assessment of human-crocodile conflict . Approximately 10-20 people are killed annually and about 50 people are attacked by crocodiles in Sri Lanka. Propose actions that should be taken to minimize this conflict as well as to conserve the crocodiles and their natural habitats.

Project Objectives

• Identify Human-crocodile conflict areas in Sri Lanka
• Investigate the circumstances for crocodile attacks
• Assess the numbers of crocodile attacks on humans and livestock in the study area for the past five years
• Investigate fishing related mortality as well as killing crocodiles for meat
• Engage the community in a crocodile awareness campaign spcifically training communities to prevent attacks and conflict
• Propose conservation management methods for the crocodiles and their habitats

Project Outcomes

More than 100 human-crocodile conflicts were inverstigated throughout Sri Lanka. Crocodile fences were erected in several communities to create protected bathing areas for villagers.