A surge in crocodile attacks is putting Timorese fishermen at risk, highlighting the challenges faced by the island nation since gaining independence.
In a small coastal village in Timor-Leste, between a rugged mountain range and the Banda Sea, Lino Fernandes Xavier stands by his brother's grave at the local cemetery, his head bowed. From a long line of fishermen, Lino and his brothers were revered for their local fishing knowledge, until a tragic incident 17 years ago. Lino Fernandes Xavier's brother was killed by a saltwater crocodile in Timor-Leste.
One evening in 2007, Lino's brother Carlos Fernandes Xavier packed his spear, said goodbye to his wife and children, and set off to go fishing. He never returned. 'That night everyone was helping look for him. We used flashlights to find his body, but we couldn't find it,' Lino says. Like dozens of Timorese fishermen before him, Carlos was killed by a saltwater crocodile. Lino had warned his brother about fishing at night, when many Timorese believe the ancestor crocodiles who protect locals go to sleep, leaving them vulnerable to dangerous outsider crocodiles. Watching on as he was bitten, none of them were able to save him that night. Since 2007, Timor-Leste has recorded 173 crocodile attacks on humans — 78 of them fatal. That's a 23-fold increase since the island nation gained independence from Indonesia in 2002, marking a record high. There's uncertainty around the true figures, and crocodile researchers believe that number is likely an under-representation due to a lack of reporting infrastructure and a taboo around reporting attacks. It's also unknown how many crocodiles live in Timor-Leste, but experts say there isn't a large amount of habitat suitable for them. Dili anthropologist Josh Trindade says during the 24 years of Indonesian occupation, authorities would regularly kill crocodiles in Timor-Leste.'But now every two weeks you hear about attack
CROCODILES TIMOR-LESTE FISHING ATTACKS ENVIRONMENT
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Rising Crocodile Attacks Threaten Communities in Timor-LesteA tragic crocodile attack in Timor-Leste highlights the increasing danger posed by these animals to local communities. Experts attribute the rise in attacks to the decline in crocodile populations during the Indonesian occupation and the subsequent rebound.
Read more »
'Burt' the saltwater crocodile that starred in 'Crocodile Dundee' dies in DarwinA Saltwater crocodile that starred in the classic Australian movie Crocodile Dundee died in Darwin over the weekend.
Read more »
Famous 'Crocodile Dundee' Crocodile Burt Dies at 90Burt, a saltwater crocodile famous for his role in the movie 'Crocodile Dundee', has died at the age of at least 90. He was known for his fiery temper and commanding presence.
Read more »
Ukraine Begins 2025 Under Drone Attacks Amidst Rising Tensions with RussiaAs Ukraine enters its third new year since the Russian invasion, the country faces renewed drone attacks and a looming sense of uncertainty. The start of 2025 coincides with Donald Trump's presidency and the appointment of controversial diplomat, Robert Kellogg, as Trump's envoy to Ukraine. Kellogg's past statements suggesting a more balanced approach to the conflict have raised concerns in Kyiv and allied capitals.
Read more »
'There's a croc here, mate': Couple stumbles upon crocodile in their laundryA Northern Territory man who found a crocodile in his laundry suspects the reptile could have been inside his home for about two weeks.
Read more »
Unusual scales on crocodile heads due to skin growth rate, scientists sayResearchers find that varying stiffness and speeds at which skin grows lead to ‘mechanical’ formation of inward folds
Read more »