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 {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

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 {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

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
A SPRIG TO CARE FOR
Down To Earth

A SPRIG TO CARE FOR

Punarnava, a perennial herb, is easy to grow and has huge health benefits

time-read
3 mins  |
November 01, 2024
DIGGING A DISASTER
Down To Earth

DIGGING A DISASTER

Soapstone mining near Dabti Vijaypur village has caused many residents to migrate.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 01, 2024
REVIEW THE TREATMENT
Down To Earth

REVIEW THE TREATMENT

Several faecal sludge treatment plants in Uttar Pradesh suffer from design flaws that make the treatment process both expensive and inefficient

time-read
3 mins  |
November 01, 2024
MAKE STEEL SUSTAINABLE
Down To Earth

MAKE STEEL SUSTAINABLE

As India works to double its GDP by 2030, its steel industry must balance growth with sustainability. By embracing policies like the Steel Scrap Recycling Policy 2019 and adopting green technologies, India is paving the way for a more sustainable future in steel production

time-read
4 mins  |
November 01, 2024
Can ANRF pull off the impossible for India?
Down To Earth

Can ANRF pull off the impossible for India?

Anusandhan National Research Foundation is expected to reorient India's innovation goals but funding issues, old mindsets remain a drag

time-read
4 mins  |
November 01, 2024
TROUBLED WOODS
Down To Earth

TROUBLED WOODS

Forests are a great bulwark against climate change. But this is fast changing. AKSHIT SANGOMLA travels through some of the pristine patches of the Western Ghats to explore how natural disturbances triggered by global warming now threaten the forest health

time-read
10+ mins  |
November 01, 2024
BLINDING GLOW
Down To Earth

BLINDING GLOW

The science is clear: increased illumination has damaging consequences for the health of humans, animals and plants. It’s time governments introduced policies to protect the natural darkness and improved the quality of outdoor lighting.

time-read
10+ mins  |
November 01, 2024
GROUND REALITY
Down To Earth

GROUND REALITY

What happens when the soil loses the ability to grow healthy, high-yield crops on its own?

time-read
6 mins  |
November 01, 2024
GM POLICY MUST BE FARMER CENTRIC
Down To Earth

GM POLICY MUST BE FARMER CENTRIC

On July 23, the Supreme Court of India directed the Union government to develop a national policy on genetically modified (GM) crops for research, cultivation, trade and commerce through public consultation.

time-read
6 mins  |
November 01, 2024
Vinchurni's Gandhi
Down To Earth

Vinchurni's Gandhi

A 96-year-old farmer transforms barren land into a thriving forest in drought-prone region of Satara

time-read
2 mins  |
November 01, 2024