Crocs kill 14 in Mozambique
2007-12-04 10:15
Maputo - Authorities in the central Zambezia province of Mozambique have reported the killing of 14 people in less than a month by crocodiles.
The daily Noticias reported on Tuesday that crocodiles killed the victims as they went about their daily chores - as fishermen, or when they went to fetch water in Zambezi River at Chinde administrative post, located near the river.
The paper quoted Zambezia provincial governor as telling officials from the ministry of agriculture to work with the national army to kill the problem animals.
He said the action could result in the reduction of cases of animal-human conflict, which was expected to increase during the rainy season, which started in October.
In June this year, authorities said more than 30 people were killed country-wide by wild animals, which included crocodiles, elephants, and lions.
In October this year, authorities of Chemba district in the Mozambican central province of Sofala said they had collected more than 13 000 crocodile eggs this year alone, as a way of combating human-animal conflict.
Authorities said they had resolved to collect the eggs after cases of attacks from crocodiles increased over the years.
During the same campaign, 17 crocodiles, two hippopotamuses and an elephant were killed after the animals tried to attack brigades patrolling the area.
The government had also authorised the national army to shoot problem animals.
- SAPA