Local residents watch a wild crocodile about four meters long basking in the sun on the banks of the Palu River in the city of Palu in the Indonesian province of Central Sulawesi. The wild crocodiles that have made the river their habitat often attract the attention of the population when sunbathing and are considered a local attraction. Dozens of wild crocodiles live in the river. Attacks on residents occur time and again. The local authorities have not been able to counteract this effectively so far, as there is a lack of facilities to house and keep captured crocodiles. Source: NurPhoto / NurPhoto/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Indonesia has the highest number of crocodile attacks on people in the world. However, experts do not see the cause solely in the behavior of reptiles. As a result of the progressive destruction of mangrove forests and wetlands for mining projects and palm oil plantations, many animals are losing their natural habitat. The result: Encounters between humans and crocodiles are increasing — often with fatal consequences. The conflict shows how closely environmental destruction, biodiversity loss and population security are linked.
Indonesia has the highest number of crocodile attacks on people in the world. However, experts do not see the cause solely in the behavior of reptiles. As a result of the progressive destruction of mangrove forests and wetlands for mining projects and palm oil plantations, many animals are losing their natural habitat. The result: Encounters between humans and crocodiles are increasing — often with fatal consequences. The conflict shows how closely environmental destruction, biodiversity loss and population security are linked.
