Crocodiles terrorise people in Mwanza
PATI MAGUBIRA, Mwanza
Sunday News; Sunday,January 28, 2007 @00:05

CROCODILES are terrorising people in Ilemela, Nyamagana and Sengerema districts in Mwanza Region, affecting human operations on the shores of Lake Victoria.

Regional authorities here have liaised with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism to cull the aggressive creatures belonging to the family of Crocodylidae.

The cold-blooded predators with an estimated biting strength of up to 3,000 pounds per square inch, which is 30 times more than that of a large shark, have so far mauled nine residents in the districts.

"We are uncertain over the actual number of crocodiles in the lake at the moment, but it has certainly increased in recent years," Mwanza Regional Commissioner, Dr James Alex Msekela said.

The authorities are waiting for advice from the ministry to decide on measures to take against the long-living creatures whose strength lies in their jaws and sharp teeth for tearing their prey, mostly fish and animals.

"Crocodiles are encroaching areas in which residents swim and wash. We have to protect our people," says Dr Msekela, adding: "I have been informed by some elders in Ukerewe District recently that crocodiles could easily be fished using smelly baits that attract them."

The Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Professor Jumanne Maghembe, assured the 'Sunday News' over the phone yesterday that his ministry would take measures to control the crocodile population.

"Some armed wildlife officials were recently seen chasing crocodiles by using a boat on the lake; they could not catch any of the creatures over short distances in and out of shallow water.

Residents of the three affected districts blame the crocodile attacks on poor management of a game sanctuary at Saa Nane Island in Sengerema District. Crocodiles, which used to be kept at the sanctuary, had multiplied and spread along the lakeshores to the peril of the surrounding communities," they say.

The crocodiles reportedly killed three people opposite Makongoro clinic in Mwanza City, while at Luchelele also in the city the creatures reportedly killed three anglers.

Reports from Juma Island in Sengerema District also had it that crocodiles had killed two swimmers. Bodies of the swimmers were seen floating on the lake without heads. One person was also reportedly killed by crocodiles at Capri Point in the city last Wednesday. His body too was seen floating without a head.

The Mwanza Regional Police Commander, Mr Zelothe Stephen, confirmed reports of the crocodile attacks on the lakeshores, saying his force too was waiting for an advice from the ministry.

With strong muscles holding their jaws shut, but weak muscles to open them, crocodiles are known to be aggressive during mating seasons when they seize people from boats and drag them under water to drown them.

Crocodiles are estimated to live between 70 and 100 years with large species reaching over 6 metres long and weighing well over 1200 kg. One of the oldest crocodiles recorded died in a zoo in Russia apparently aged 115 years old.

Crocodiles are consumed in pickled form in Australia, Thailand, South Africa and also Cuba. The white crocodile meat though slightly has a high level of cholesterol, its nutritional composition compares favourably with that of traditional meats with backstrap and tail fillet and leg being consumers' favourite choice.

The crocodile hide is tanned and used for making leather goods ranging from shoes, handbags, wallets, briefcases, purses to belts and hats.

Scientists in the United States have isolated a powerful agent in crocodile blood (crocodillin), which could help conquer human infections immune to standard antibiotics.

Kathy:

Where is Mwanza?

Bill Quimby

On Lake Victoria, Bill, west of the Serengeti.

Scientists in the United States have also isolated a powerful agent in crocodile blood (crocokillim), which could help conquer human expansion in Africa.