Invitation to Participate in Survey Developed

by CSG Living with Crocodilians Working Group

 

Background

In many regions of the world, attacks by crocodilians on humans and their domesticated animals are an obstacle to crocodilian conservation. There is a need for sound expert advice on policies, on which methods work in particular circumstances, and on how to implement them. For this reason, in April 2024 the CSG Executive Committee approved the formation of the Living with Crocodilians Working Group to tackle the associated challenges. This Working Group builds on the work of the previous Human-Crocodile Conflict Working Group (2002-2014).

 

The initial structure of the Working Group is Simon Pooley (Chair; UK), Ronis Da Silveira (Brazil), Yusuke Fukuda (Australia), Mohd. Izwan Zulaini Abdul Gani (Malaysia), Morgan Hart (USA), Rainier Manalo (Philippines), Laura Porras Murillo (Costa Rica), Paulino Ponce-Campos (Mexico), Brandon Sideleau (Indonesia, PNG), Colin Stevenson (South Asia), Jan van der Ploeg (Solomon Islands) and Bobby Cross (Project Support Officer; UK). The work carried out on the Working Group is overseen by CSG Executive Advisory Group (EAG) member Matt Brien.

 

The LWC Working Group focuses on reducing Human-Crocodilian Conflict (HCC) and fostering coexistence with crocodilians. A general goal is to support those involved with human-crocodilian interactions, including community leaders, local authorities, conservationists, researchers, government agencies, etc., to mitigate attacks and foster coexistence with crocodilians.

 

Given differences between regions with regard to strategies and methods favoured, and the ecological contexts, a "How To Prevent Crocodilan Attacks" Survey has been developed to assess and compile information on current approaches and perceptions of their effectiveness, worldwide (see below).

 

The LWC Working Group invites the participation in the Survey, of people who live and/or work in areas where crocodilian attacks, and/or who have direct experience with crocodile attacks and/or involvement in management actions to prevent them.

 

Aim: To gather information on the range of management actions being used to prevent crocodilian attacks and other negative interactions between humans and crocodilians worldwide, and their effectiveness within particular contexts.

 

Outcomes: Results of the survey will be analysed, and a resource of recommended interventions fitted to particular contexts developed, with management recommendations. This will be publicly available.

 

Confidentiality: The information you share in this study will be kept completely confidential. All data will be stored securely by Simon Pooley. Data used in any publications will not include your name or details (unless we contact you directly, and you agree).

 

To participate in the survey, CLICK HERE

  

All members of the IUCN SSC, and thus CSG members, are bound by the SSC Code of Conduct of the Members of IUCN Commissions. The CSG also adheres to the IUCN Policy on the Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Sexual Abuse, and Sexual Harassment and related Anti-harassment Policy, including bullying and sexual harassment, for IUCN Events. Regardless, since the inception of the CSG in 1971, the underlying premise upon which CSG members are expected to operate is, and always has been, “respect, understanding and tolerance”,  regardless of an individual’s characteristics.

A claim of harassment at a CSG Working Meeting (in 2018) stimulated the IUCN to formulate guidelines for handling claims of harassment, should they arise, and also resulted in a “closed” investigation on the case by the IUCN in 2022-2023. Prior to the completion of this investigation, concerns were raised by two members of the CSG Steering Committee that additional measures may be required to deal with allegations of bullying, harassment or discrimination at CSG-endorsed events, and thus ensure that events continue to provide a professional, respectful and harassment-free environment.

Accordingly, the CSG Executive Committee developed its own Policy and Procedures to address incidents of harassment, bullying or discrimination, should they occur, at CSG-endorsed events (eg working meetings, regional meetings, species meetings, virtual meetings) and other forms of communication. Draft versions of the Policy and Procedures were circulated to CSG Steering Committee members in February 2024, seeking their review and comments, and the documents (Bullying, Harassment, and Discrimination Prevention Policy for CSG-Endorsed Events and Bullying, Harassment, and Discrimination Resolution Procedures for CSG-Endorsed Events) were finalised (late-March 2024).

The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were adopted by the United Nations in 2015, as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity. The CSG and its members play a significant role in contributing to the achievement of many of the UN's 17 SDGs. This document summarises how crocodilian conservation efforts support the SDGs (download here).