Humans and Crocodiles

On August 23, 2016, Mehr News Agency reported that the first step of the plan to support villagers hosting the Gando, or the short-nosed crocodile of Sistan and Baluchestan, was successfully carried out. This plan involved delivering shipments of drinking water tankers and water transfer systems to the local people and village councils, including pumps and water purification devices. However, shortly before that, in July 2016, when news agencies reported an attack by a Gando on a boy from one of the villages near the city of Sarbaz in Sistan and Baluchestan, environmental experts noticed a significant change in the behavior of this only native crocodile in Iran. The child, along with several others, was wandering around one of the region's wetlands when he was suddenly attacked by a Gando, pulled underwater, and ultimately, the drowned body of the boy was recovered. Gando crocodiles are animals that hold special respect and sanctity in areas of Sistan and Baluchestan. In past years, it might have surprised travelers and visitors to see children playing in the waters where Gando live, and women washing their clothes and dishes without any issues. The relationship between Gando and humans in these areas has been so good that the residents of 131 villages living within the protected areas of Gando usually voluntarily assist environmental protection agents in transferring Gando from drier areas to more water-rich ponds during the hot season. However, it seems that something has changed in recent months that has compelled these peaceful and sacred Gando to kill humans. The problem, like many human issues on Earth, relates to a vital liquid: water. Drought in Sistan and Baluchestan appears to be a very serious issue. According to the governor of Zabol, this problem has even affected the third largest lake in Iran and the seventh largest wetland in the world, Hamoun, and has caused 300 villages in the province to become abandoned in recent years. Now, it seems that with the implementation of projects such as the 'Support Plan for Villagers Hosting Gando,' efforts are being made to reduce human encroachment on the water resources of these environmentally protected crocodiles by providing the necessary drinking water for the residents of the villages hosting Gando, so that these valuable creatures can continue their natural life cycle and peaceful existence alongside the villagers in this region. The largest Gando ever seen was over 5 meters long and weighed more than 450 kilograms. The current estimated number of these crocodiles is about 200 to 400. Their diet ranges from 450-kilogram buffalo to baby fish, but under normal circumstances, a Gando does not prefer to hunt humans.