Can awareness and education lead to peaceful co existence? 

Crocodiles in the middle of the city? Monitors, monkeys and migratory birds, yes, but crocodiles? Quite surprisingly, a group of 4 crocodiles have made a canal in Colombo their home and have been living there for the past few months. 

A resident in the area, Maya, said “I have figured out that the Large Monitor Lizards (Kabaragoyas) living in the area have gone missing. Probably they have become food for the crocodiles. We feel that it is quite unsafe for those who are cleaning the lake and for people going on boat rides. It is like having a Yala National Park in the middle of the city.” 

“My cat disappeared nearly a month ago and I do not know if it just went away or was food for the crocodile. However it will be a threat for the people once they grow big”  said Chithra, another resident. 

“I have seen them sunbathing on the sandy banks that appear when the water level falls. This canal is rather polluted and anyway this canal is not a good place for the crocodiles to live. I feel that those who go on boat rides are in danger because you never know when they will be preying on you. Therefore it is best if the authorities can come and have a look” said Hanumuldeniye Sumangala Thera. 

The Daily Mirror also spoke to senior herpetologist Dr. Anslem De Silva, regional chairman of the crocodile specialist group IUCN/SSC for South Asia and Iran who said that it is best to let them stay as it is. “This crocodile is in fact a saltwater crocodile. If the people come to know of their whereabouts, they will probably be killed.” 

A large crocodile found in Moratuwa recently was killed while they were trying to capture it to transport it. Do the authorities have the required skill and man power to safely transport them to another area? In fact wouldn't it be better if the authorities can put up a few warning boards around the area and educate and raise awareness among residents so that they can co exist peacefully? 

"The issue is not about these crocodiles living in the canal but there is an issue about clearing their habitats. Places in Thalawathugoda and Kotte have been cleared for various purposes and therefore these crocodiles are moving inland. A 6 foot crocodile cannot prey on humans and therefore the people in the neighborhood shouldn't worry. These are their habitats so they have all the freedom to be there. Also people are throwing garbage and polluting these canals and that is what should be stopped" said Jagath Gunawardena. 

By Kamanthi Wickramasinghe