Scott R, Scott H
St Raphael's Hospital, Tanga, Tanzania.
BMJ. 1994;309(6970):1691-2.
To investigate why fatal crocodile bites are increasing in a Tanzanian district and the importance of traditional beliefs and superstitions in determining the residents' response to the crocodiles.
Information about beliefs was obtained by interview of Korogwe residents. Human and crocodile fatality statistics were obtained from the Korogwe Department of Natural Resources.
Villages within Korogwe District.
Population of Korogwe District.
Crocodiles have been responsible for 51 deaths in the 52 months from January 1990 to April 1994. Of these, 18 deaths occurred in the first four months of 1994.
Local beliefs and superstitions about crocodiles include those about the taming of animals, with implications concerning the choice of victim and the penalties that may ensue if a crocodile is killed. The recent rise in human fatalities is thought to relate to increasing river pollution reducing the fish supply, together with a change in social mores at the riverside which has increased the crocodiles' displeasure. A reliable pumped water supply would reduce the need to draw water and bathe in the river, and eradication of superstition would empower the villagers in the fight against a common enemy.
调查坦桑尼亚一个地区致命鳄鱼咬伤事件增加的原因，以及传统信仰和迷信观念在决定居民对鳄鱼反应方面的重要性。
通过采访科罗格韦居民获取有关信仰的信息。人类和鳄鱼致死统计数据来自科罗格韦自然资源部。
科罗格韦地区内的村庄。
科罗格韦地区的人口。
在1990年1月至1994年4月的52个月里，鳄鱼导致了51人死亡。其中，18人死亡发生在1994年的前四个月。
当地关于鳄鱼的信仰和迷信观念包括对动物驯化的观念，这涉及到受害者的选择以及如果杀死鳄鱼可能随之而来的惩罚。近期人类死亡人数的上升被认为与河流污染加剧导致鱼类供应减少有关，同时河边社会习俗的变化也增加了鳄鱼的不满。可靠的抽水供水系统将减少在河中取水和洗澡的需求，消除迷信观念将使村民在对抗共同敌人的斗争中更有力量。
