CrocBITE was an online database of crocodile attacks reported on humans. The non-profit online research tool helped to scientifically analyze crocodile behavior via complex models. Users were encouraged to feed information in a crowdsourcing manner.
About
editThe online database was established in 2013 by Dr Adam Britton,[1] a researcher at Charles Darwin University, his student Brandon Sideleau[2] and Erin Britton.[3][4] It was a compilation of government records, individual reports, registered contributors and historical data.[5][6] Dr Simon Pooley, Junior Research fellow, Imperial College London joined hands to further the studies. The collaboration culminated when Dr Pooley met Dr Britton at the IUCN Crocodile Specialist Group, in Louisiana in 2014. [7] The program received funds from Economic and Social Research Council, United Kingdom to the tune of A$30,000[7] and unspecified resourced plus amount from Big Gecko Crocodilian Research, Crocodillian.com and Charles Darwin University.[6]
The research yielded pertinent observations that provide inside into crocodile attacks. It was observed that most attacks on humans occur from bites of Saltwater crocodile as against the popular understanding of Nile crocodiles taking the top spot. This is not, however, believed to be the actual case, as most attacks by the Nile crocodile are believed to go unreported or only reported on a local level. The broad category of Nile crocodile attacks were segmented into West African crocodile and Crocodylus niloticus (the Nile Crocodile) species to get a clear understanding of their respective attack zones.[8]
The objective was that the information would be used by communities and conservation managers to help inform and educate people about how to keep safe. The information was vital for Australia and Africa where such attacks are more likely than in other parts of the world. This was the only database of its kind with such comprehensive collection of information made available online.[9]
The database is no longer online, and its founder Adam Britton is in custody having pleaded guilty to charges of bestiality on September 25, 2023.[10] [11]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Adam Britton - Profile @RIEL". riel.cdu.edu.au. Charles Darwin University. Retrieved 1 June 2016.
- ^ "Academic Profile". Retrieved 1 June 2016.
- ^ "Erin Britton - profile". www.expeditions.com. Retrieved 1 June 2016.
- ^ "Croc attacks: a new website with bite". www.theconversation.com. 3 Dec 2013.
- ^ Milman, Oliver (25 Nov 2014). "Crocodile attack database 'will aid conservation efforts and save lives'". The Guardian.
- ^ a b "CrocBITE - Acknowledgments". www.crocodile-attack.info. Retrieved 30 May 2016.
- ^ a b Gallagher, Laura (12 Dec 2014). "Crocodile attack project could help save lives in vulnerable communities". Imperial College London.
- ^ "Frequently Asked Questions - CrocBITE". www.crocodile-attack.info. Retrieved 30 May 2016.
- ^ McCafferty, Georgia (30 May 2016). "Australian MP blames 'human stupidity' for suspected fatal croc attack". CNN.
- ^ "Adam Britton: British croc expert admits sexually abusing dogs". BBC news.
- ^ "NT crocodile expert who once hosted David Attenborough pleads guilty to animal sexual abuse". The Guardian.