How can we keep humans and crocodiles safe from each other?

Reports of saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) attacks on humans have increased dramatically over the past decade, particularly in Indonesia and Malaysia. One Higher Degree by Research student at Charles Darwin University is currently working on reducing the number of attacks without negatively impacting crocodile populations.

Brandon Sideleau had already been keeping track of crocodile attacks covered by the news media when he decided to create a worldwide crocodilian attack database in 2010.

“Over the years the project grew and became more complex, involving contributions from dozens of colleagues, regional government agencies, and more,” he says. 

“This has resulted in well over 1,000 reported human deaths and countless retaliation killings or captures of crocodiles, many of which occur in areas where the species is likely still vulnerable.”

Now known as CrocAttack, Brandon’s project has amassed nearly 9,000 attack records, consisting mostly of his own personal research. 

Hoping to expand on this, Brandon is pursuing a Higher Degree by Research at Charles Darwin University, placing him in close proximity to the world’s largest extant population of saltwater crocodiles. 

Collecting croc data

CrocAttack created the perfect foundation for Brandon’s PhD, providing comprehensive data on attacks across Australia, Brunei, Malaysia and the Philippines.  

He is now focusing on areas that are lacking – specifically the island of New Guinea. 

As part of his fieldwork, Brandon has been visiting locations in Papua New Guinea and Indonesian Papua, with smaller areas like the Aru Islands and the Kangean Islands to be visited in the future.

“I have been visiting villages and regional health centres collecting attack data, interviewing local residents, and assessing each location for potential contributing factors.”

Brandon notes that human lives will continue to be lost, in turn triggering removal efforts that will impact saltwater crocodile populations, unless region-specific strategies can be developed.

“Hopefully we can identify specific contributing factors and recommend attack mitigation strategies that take into account each region’s unique characteristics, including crocodile and human population densities, habitat availability, quality and type, cultural attributes (such as respecting crocodile totemic beliefs), and projected future changes to these characteristics.”

The future of attack mitigation

Through his research project, Brandon ultimately hopes to help reduce numbers of attacks on humans without negatively impacting crocodile population recovery. 

"The goals are to determine the true number of attacks on humans annually, determine attack hotspots, determine attack circumstances, identify factors that are likely contributing to increased number of attacks, and determine and recommend region-specific mitigation strategies."

CDU is seeking Higher Degree by Research students to take part in research projects just like these. Scholarships are available. Learn more.