The Ecology of Crocodile Attacks in Batang Lupar, Sarawak.
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THE SARAWAK MUSEUM JOURNAL |
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Title :
The Ecology of Crocodile Attacks in Batang Lupar, Sarawak. |
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Author :
Robert Stuebing, Ghazally Ismail and Kusuadi Sallih |
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Abstract:
Crocodiles and the river people of Sarawak have shared the same environment for many millenia, and for the most part have coexisted peacefully. There were relatively few human deaths, while few crocodiles were in turn killed due to pantang (taboos) and generally inefficient hunting methods. The advent of firearms gave humans the ultimate advantage. Subsequent hunting, particularly over the last several decades, has reduced crocodile populations rather substantially. Attacks on man have thus declined dramatically or ceased entirely along most Sarawak rivers. In the Lupar River however, crocodile attacks have remained relatively frequent. Residents in fact believe that a fatality is to be expected at least once a year. Actual data indicate a somewhat lower rate of occurrence (see Table 1) though crocodile-related deaths are still regardedas a serious problem by local authorities. Non-fatal incidents are even more common (DSP Abang Adris, pers. comm.). Attacks on man elsewhere in Sarawak such as the fatal incident on the Belawai River in August, 1982,are extraordinary events. As a result, traditional explanations such as the existence of spiritor ghost crocodiles (buaya puaka) are often relied upon to explain why Batang Lupar alone seems to enjoy such an unsavoury reputation. An ecological approach was suggested by Stuebing (1983), but until recently no such study has been attempted.
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| DOI: XXXX |
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How to cite:
Stuebing, R., et al. (1985). The Ecology of Crocodile Attacks in Batang Lupar, Sarawak. The Sarawak Museum Journal, XXXIV (55): 195-214 |
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