Gustave
A photograph of Gustave for National Geographic, taken by Martin Best
SpeciesCrocodylus niloticus (Nile crocodile)
SexMale
Hatchedc. 1955 (age 68–69)
Known forAllegedly killing up to 200-300 people
ResidenceRuzizi River and Lake Tanganyika, Burundi
Weight≥ 2,000 lb (910 kg) (estimated)

Gustave is a large male Nile crocodile in Burundi who is notorious for being a man-eater, rumored to have killed as many as 200–300 people on the banks of the Ruzizi River and the northern shores of Lake Tanganyika, between which he roams. Though the actual number of victims is difficult to verify, he has obtained near-mythical status and is greatly feared by people in the region.[1][2]

Gustave was named by Patrice Faye, a herpetologist who has been studying and investigating him since the late 1990s. Much of what is known about Gustave stems from the film Capturing the Killer Croc, which aired in 2004 on PBS. The film documents a capture attempt and study on Gustave.[1]

Description

Since Gustave has not been captured, his exact length and weight are unknown, but in 2002 it was stated that he could be "easily more than 20 feet (6.1 m)" long, and weigh more than 2,000 pounds (910 kg).[2][3] He was estimated to be around 100 years old in order to achieve such outstanding size; however, further more careful observation of Gustave revealed a complete set of teeth when he opened his mouth. Since a 100-year-old crocodile "should be nearly toothless" (according to the documentary), he was estimated to be "probably no older than 60, and likely still growing".

One of Gustave's notable characteristics is the three bullet scars on his body. His right shoulder blade was also found to be deeply wounded. Circumstances surrounding the four scars are unknown. Scientists and herpetologists who have studied Gustave claim that his uncommon size and weight impede his ability to hunt the species' usual agile prey such as fish, antelope and zebra, forcing him to attack larger animals such as hippopotamus, large buffalo and, to some extent, humans. Despite frequently being referred to as a man-eater, a popular local warning says he often leaves his victims' corpses uneaten.[2] The documentary film also stated that since crocodiles can go several months without eating, Gustave can afford to select his prey carefully.

Capture attempt

In Capturing the Killer Croc, Patrice Faye and other scientists attempted to capture Gustave. According to the film, Faye performed two years of investigations before the attempt. Faye and his team were given two months for their capture attempt; thereafter a change of government would risk plunging the country into civil war.

A trap cage weighing a tonne and measuring nearly 9 meters (30 feet) in length was developed. The team then located Gustave and installed and baited the trap, placing a hidden infrared camera inside as well. Several kinds of bait were used, yet none of them attracted Gustave or any other creature. The scientists then strategically installed three giant snares on certain banks to increase their chances of capture; although smaller crocodiles were caught by the traps, Gustave was not.

In the last week before being forced to leave the country, the team placed a live goat in the cage. Nothing happened until one night, the camera failed during stormy weather. The next morning, the cage was found partially submerged, and the goat had disappeared. The team speculated that the rising waters helped the goat to escape or that the cage had failed, but without the camera recording, no conclusion could be drawn.[1][2]

Sightings and possible death

In 2009, Gustave appeared in the Ruzizi River near Lake Tanganyika.[4]

In a 2019 article about travel in Burundi, a writer for Travel Africa Magazine reported learning that Gustave had been killed.[5] It is not said how he was killed or by whom and no photographic evidence has ever surfaced, leaving these claims dubious until more concrete evidence is brought forward.

In fiction

Gustave was the basis of the film Primeval (originally titled Gustave).[6]

See also

  • Lolong, the largest crocodile in captivity until his death on February 10, 2013.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "PBS Previews Newsletter: Capturing the Killer Croc". PBS. May 12, 2004. Archived from the original on 2004-08-30.
  2. 1 2 3 4 Michael McRae (March 2005). "Gustave: Have You Seen This Crocodile". National Geographic Adventure. Archived from the original on 2008-08-01. Updated on 2007-01-08, 2007-04-19, and 2008-01-05
  3. ↑ Michael McRae (February 2008). "Gustave, the Killer Crocodile – Update". National Geographic Adventure Magazine. Archived from the original on 2008-08-05. Retrieved 2010-07-27.
  4. ↑ Mary Anne Potts (2009-03-19). "Serial Killer Croc Gustave Spotted in Burundi". National Geographic Adventure Magazine. Archived from the original on November 17, 2018. Retrieved 2018-11-17.
  5. ↑ Dunnington-Jefferson, Nicky (March 28, 2019). "Beating the drums in Burundi". Travel Africa Magazine. Gecko Publishing. Archived from the original on 2020-03-25. Retrieved 2020-03-25.
  6. ↑ ""Primeval" a toothless monster movie". Reuters. 2007-01-21. Retrieved 2023-08-15.
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