Sub-Saharan Africa
Sputnik brings you all the most recent information, major events, heroes and views, including breaking news, images, videos, analyses, and features.

See You Later, Alligator: Namibia to Auction off 40 Crocodiles to 'Minimize Conflicts'

CC BY 2.0 / Matthew Paulson / Nile Crocodile, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Nile Crocodile, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay - Sputnik Africa, 1920, 15.06.2023
Subscribe
The aggressive behavior of the Nile crocodiles, which dwell in Namibian waters, poses a threat to local communities, so since 2019, the Environment Ministry has recorded 195 cases of loss of livestock and 14 cases of injury to humans.
The Namibian Ministry of Environment announced that it would sell 40 crocodiles in a proactive move to minimize human-wildlife conflicts and address financial losses incurred.
According to the ministry, due to "good conservation methods," the country of Southern Africa has seen a dramatic increase in its wildlife population, majority of which has escaped away from the confines of national parks and pose threat to humans.

"The north eastern regions of Kavango west, Kavango east and Zambezi continue to experience concerning crocodile attacks on people and their livestock," the statement explained, adding that the offering crocodiles for public safe was intended to "minimize these incidents."

The ministry added that the decision to sell crocodiles has become necessary also amid the financial toll resulting from managing the excess reptiles. It specifically mentioned that it has been compensating for losses caused by crocodiles since 2019, amounting to over N$2.3 million ($153 million).
Wild white rhinos are seen at an undisclosed location in the North-West Province of South Africa, on April 2, 2023 - Sputnik Africa, 1920, 12.06.2023
Sub-Saharan Africa
South Africa Sends 16 White Rhinos to the DRC to Up Population
The predators will be sold through a tender where written financial offers by those interested should be submitted to the ministry in sealed envelopes indicating the price per individual animal.

Meanwhile, the capture of crocodiles will be done under the full supervision of the ministry and the cost of capturing will be on the buyer, the ministry stressed.

Buyers must prove that they have a suitable habitat for the animals and have a permit from the respective country.
In May, local media reported an attack by a vigorous crocodile on a fisherman, Sitamwela Mualuka. Although he managed to survive, he lost his right leg in the incident.
A month earlier, an 11-year-old girl from Shikoro Village (Kavango east) died after being attacked by a river predator.
Newsfeed
0