Predator in the Nile: The Crocodile in Cairo
Cairo, Egypt’s sprawling capital, rests on the banks of the majestic river Nile. Merging Europe, Asia and Africa, blending ancient with modern, Cairo is a city that has captivated and enthralled for centuries. But this city is home to something more than culture, tradition, and wonder. For deep within the murky waters of the flowingly majestic river lies a hidden, ancient predator…the crocodile.
Their Origin
Outlandish tales of Nile crocodiles originating from ancient Egypt, a creature spewed from the Nile and inspiring creators of myths and gods, are impossible to verify. Despite this, the Nile crocodile has kept its place in folklore. Believed to be ancestral custodians of the mighty river itself, crocodiles were found further along than modern-day Cairo, dating all the way back to the Ptolemaic period.
Today, the Nile crocodile is an integral part of the concrete jungle, moving between satellite towns and along the Nile wherever it is free from obstruction.
Keeping Them Out
The Egyptian government has imposed heavy regulations on keeping and importing crocodiles into the country. With the dangers they pose and the universal knowledge of the Nile crocodile’s appetite and strength, the toxic presence of the reptile adds to the pre-existing peril they bring.
The risk these creatures pose has motivated a heavy push from the Egyptian government to limit their existence within the boundaries of Cairo due to the abundance of tributaries and the lack of safe means for disposal.
Do They Belong on the Nile?
A question that is often thrown around is whether or not the Nile crocodile belongs on the Nile. In Egypt, the Nile crocodile is a protected species, generating an immense amount of competition when it comes to scarce resources. This has caused an acceleration in their population growth and an increase in their hunting patterns. Given their status, it is difficult to remove them from the Nile completely, and many believe that this could damage the delicate balance of the river’s ecosystem.
Risks and Dangers
The Nile crocodiles pose a significant risk to the safety of its human inhabitants, though attacks are few and far between. Crocodile attacks will often occur when they feel threatened in their natural habitats, and given the human presence and activity in the areas around the Nile this is a danger to consider.
Combined with the various diseases and infections, the risk of a Nile crocodile encounter has become an ongoing, significant concern for the government of Cairo.
Human Interaction and Farming
As of late, the Egyptian government has given permission to a select few individuals to farm and even domesticate the Nile crocodile. This experience has allowed locals to build a connection to a creature steeped in Egyptian folklore and play a role in its conservation in order to ensure its survival and regulate numbers.
While crocodile farms may provide support to conservation and a connection to the Nile, experts warn that Nile crocodiles kept in captivity often behave differently than in the wild and it is not a complete replacement for wild conservation.
Conservation and Preservation
The government and various organisations have taken measures to ensure the conservation and maintenance of the delicate balance of the Nile and its inhabitants, including the Nile crocodile.
Organisations have coordinated efforts to monitor and protect breeding areas, aiding in their conservation and providing fishing nets to protect fishermen and others residing near the Nile. Additionally, some of the government’s more humane solutions have included the implementation of nets to repel the reptiles when they’re too close to human activity.
Adapting Cultures
Despite the dangers and efforts made to keep the population of Nile crocodiles down, some cultures have attempted to adapt their lives and beliefs to accept this creature as an integral part of Cairo.
The prevalence of ancient traditions and gods birthed from the sight of a Nile crocodiles has sprouted an increase in locals embracing their presence as protection and prosperity, acting as a guard of the Nile.
The Future of the Nile Crocodile
The Nile crocodile has been an integral part of the Nile since antiquity, and modern-day Egypt’s bustling culture has done nothing to slow the presence of the ancient predator. With the introduction of new wildlife laws, opposition from conservationists, and the determined peoples of Cairo, it may not be the end of days for the Nile crocodile.
In addition to government efforts and the lack of safe disposal points, the ongoing conflict of accepting this creature and understanding the magnitude of their presence in such an urban location is one no-one can ignore.
Coexistence
The coexistence of humans and Nile Crocs has been an issue ever since the Ancient Egyptians, where man has been fighting the aquatic menace to maintain his rightful spot at the top of the food chain. The desire to keep the apex predator away from children’s swimming spots, rowing boats and riverside dwellings makes living in the area that much more tense and dangerous.
The government has employed a range of measures in order to keep people away from crocodiles and crocodiles away from people, such as erecting crocodile alert signs, setting up electric fences and currently trialling the use of crocodiles-repelling nets to keep predators out.
The harsh implementation of laws and the activity of conservationists have sought to do nothing more than simply protect the ancient reptiles from being poached and protect the people from being attacked.
What to Do if You Encounter a Nile Crocodile
In the case of a Nile crocodile encounter no one should face them alone and everyone should use every precaution possible. It’s important to remain vigilant and keep your distance from the creature, as it can attack from a range of up to 20 metres.
It’s best to slowly back away and run in the opposite direction of the crocodile. Keeping a close watch on the reptile will help you assess the creature’s movement and whether or not it’s displaying any aggressive behaviour.
Conclusion
The presence of the Nile crocodile has been an integral part of Cairo and its culture since time immemorial. With growing efforts to protect the reptile, there may come a time in which they will reclaim their place in the city’s landscape, allowing humans and crocodiles to peacefully coexist.
