Command Hospital, Sri Lanka Air Force, Guwanpura/Sri Lanka Study/Objective: Aim of this study is to identify what species of crocodile's attacks humans, their pattern when they attacked, where they attacked, what parts of the human body they prefer to grab most, why do they attack humans, and how crocodile human encounters are minimized so both species can live peacefully. Background: Crocodilians represent one of the oldest constant animal lineages on the planet, in no small part due to their formidable array of predatory adaptations. As both human and crocodilian populations expand, they increasingly encroach on each other's' territories, bringing morbidity and mortality to both populations. Sri Lanka has two species of crocodiles -the Mugger Crocodile (Crocodylus palustris or "crocodile of the marsh") mainly found in freshwater tanks, and the Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodiles porosus or estuarine crocodile) which prefers estuaries and lagoon habitats. Research found both were responsible for attacking humans. Methods: The reported cases of crocodile attacks from year 2010 to year 2015 were reviewed. During the 5 year period 150 attacks were reported and 51 were fatal. The aim was to identify the attacks by two different species of crocodiles that live in Sri Lanka. We studied timeframe, location, causes, and how they attacked humans. Results: The popular belief is only salt water crocodiles are man eaters, and muggers are less aggressive. But our research shows that fatal attacks are done by both groups. The saltwater croc attacked and killed 27 people, and the muggers killed 49 humans, not much difference. The usual attack sites for both groups are either in shallow water or close proximity to croc infested water. This amounts to nearly 60% of attacks (90 incidents), of which 116 (77%) victims were males. They were attacked during bathing, washing clothes, swimming, collecting grass in marshy lands and playing in the water. Females were attacked while bathing, washing clothes and utensils. There were three rare cases where people were ambushed by saltwater crocodiles in a marshy area when they regularly collect firewood. Ninety-five percent of the victims were dragged to the water by both groups of crocs. Most of the incidents limbs were attacked; there were reports of attacking to the head and torso by both groups of crocodiles. Most of the victims (>92%) were aware that the water sources are infested with crocodiles, but did not care enough to think of the impending danger. We found that some people were attacked non-fatal, by salt water crocs when they approached a croc nest, the attacks launched to defend the nest. An interesting observation that emerged from the accounts on crocodile attack victims and witnesses, was that it appeared that the animals had observed people engaged in water-based activity, like bathing and washing clothes, over a period of time before the attack. This would imply that at least some attacks, were not the result of a casual encounter with potential prey, but the culmination of ...
