First Report of a Fatal Accident of a Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) Due To Electrocution in Sri Lanka

Abstract

An adult 267 1/2 cm long, early gravid female saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) found dead in an anthropogenic habitat in a small road side stream at western province, Sri Lanka. The crocodile while catching a bird had accidentally bit a live high-tension electric wire which had tumbled across the stream, and died outstanding to electrocution. The dead specimen was subsequently gifted to University of Sri Jayewardenepura to be used for the World Crocodile Conference - 2013. All relevant measurements were recorded. Physically the body of the dead crocodile was investigated for external parasites, by using surgical procedures the stomach contents were investigated and weighed. The stuffed carcass is presently housed in the museum of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka