Call for Mozambique crocodile cull as eight killed

At least eight people have died in crocodile attacks this year in the Mozambican province of Manica bordering Zimbabwe.

The authorities are calling for the culling of the reptiles to reduce their population.

Authorities would soon get a company to collect crocodile eggs in order to reduce population growth, Rafael Manjate, the provincial director for environment said.

Most of the crocodile attacks occurred along rivers in the districts of Mossurize, Vanduzi and Machaze.

Mr Manjante said the reptiles were a threat to the lives of people especially those living along river banks.

"The most worrying example is the Vanduzi River, where there are many crocodile families, and it is a priority right now to look for a way to reduce them," he said.

The official also cited attacks by lions and elephants.

He called for help from the national government, saying the province did not have enough capacity to resolve human-wildlife conflicts.

Attacks by wild animals are common in rural areas, with flooding in recent months raising the risks of crocodile attacks along river banks.

This article originally appeared on BBC News

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