Illegal fishing increasing crocodile attacks in Kalangala - UWA
Officials from Uganda Wildlife Authority preparing to relocate a captured crocodile at Lutoboka Landing site Kalangala District. PHOTO | DAVID SEKAYINGA
What you need to know:
- Ms Vanice Mirembe, an official from UWA, says catching undersized fish and fishing in breeding areas exposes them to crocodile attacks
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has attributed the increasing crocodile attacks in the island district of Kalangala to illegal fishing activities. Since November last year, islanders have suffered a series of attacks by crocodiles across various landing sites, causing panic among residents and tears after some turned fatal.
According to Ms Vanice Mirembe, an official from UWA, catching undersized fish and fishing in breeding areas exposes them to crocodile attacks, decreased fish stock the crocodiles feed on leads them (crocodiles) to turn to soft prey.
"Illegal fishing has reduced fish stock in the lake. It has also destroyed fish breeding grounds, and crocodiles can no longer find large fish to feed on. In times when they struggle to catch smaller fish, they turn to attacking people, birds, and animals that step in the water, which they mistake as prey," Ms Mirembe explained during an interview.
However, some leaders and residents attribute the increasing crocodile attacks to the failure by residents to access safe and clean water. Available statistics show that out of 97 villages in Kalangala District, 26 villages have no safe and clean water, which exposes islanders to crocodile attacks while fetching water directly from the lake.
"We have just completed our five-year district development plan. We have focused on repairing and constructing solar water pumps and extending water to more villages," said Mr. Rajab Semakula, the district chairperson.
Early this month, UWA dispatched its standby Problem Animal team to Kalangala, which managed to trap six crocodiles from various islands. Ms. Mirembe said residents need to learn how to co-exist with crocodiles.
"Lake Victoria is a habitat for crocodiles. They play a vital role in maintaining the lake's ecosystem, and residents shouldn't think all crocodiles will be captured and relocated to other areas," she said.
Mr. Oswald Tumanya, a member of the UWA Standby Problem Animal team, explained that few crocodiles go hunting, and once they are captured, attacks on islanders will be reduced.
"In most cases, it's just one crocodile that actively hunts, while others feed on the remains. If people avoid illegal fishing and use safer water access points, they can coexist with those reptiles," he explained.
"We request farmers to stop grazing their animals near landing sites since they also attract crocodiles, especially during this time when fish stocks are low," he added.
Mr Moses Kabuusu, the Kyamuswa County legislator, thanked UWA for relocating the crocodiles but urged them to train islanders so that they can capture crocodiles on their own.
