Friday, May 23, 2025
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Contact
Insight Post Uganda
  • Home
  • NewsHot
    • Health
    • Politics
    • Religion
    • Lifestyle
    • World News
    • Tourism
    • Environment
    • Agriculture
  • Business
    Hybrid solar plant at Kalangala district.

    Lights Out on the Islands: Kalangala’s Power Woes Threaten Business and Health

    Supreme Court Dismisses Nzeyi Appeal Over NBC Takeover, Cites Wrong Court Filing

    Supreme Court Dismisses Nzeyi Appeal Over NBC Takeover, Cites Wrong Court Filing

    A charcoal vendor in Rakai trading center in April 2025

    Charcoal Smuggling from Tanzania Fuels Illicit Financial Flows, Drains Revenue

  • Sports
    Buddu FC Step-up Efforts to Retain Masaza Cup Trophy

    Buddu FC Step-up Efforts to Retain Masaza Cup Trophy

    Pokino Jude Muleke handing over Amb. Alintuma Nsambu

    Amb. Nsambu Buys 100 Kits for Kabaka Birthday Run, Offers UGX10M to Buddu Ssaza FC

    Ssekiboobo launching Kyaggwe Ssaza FC steering committee.

    Masaza Cup 2025: Kyaggwe’s Early Preparations – Can They Finally Take The Trophy?

  • Education
    Graduates of St. Francis School of Health Sciences–Namataba.

    Embracing the Future: St. Francis School of Health Sciences Calls on Training Institutions to Adopt New Technology

    Godfrey Muwumuza, Suspect.

    Kabojja Junior School Teacher Faces Fresh Charges in Child Abuse Case

  • In Luganda
    Counsel George Musisi ng'alaga emu ku kaadi mu lukungana lw'amawulire

    Munnamateeka Wa NUP Atambula Nju Ku Nju Ng’ Asaggula Obuwagizi  

    Ettaka Lyabatuuze Omutwalo Gumu Mubizinga Bye Bussi Liri Mulusuubo

    Ettaka Lyabatuuze Omutwalo Gumu Mubizinga Bye Bussi Liri Mulusuubo

    Omusumba Lwandasa ng'afukirira omuti

    Abazadde Basabiddwa Okwagazisa Abaana Okukuuma Obutonde Bwensi

  • In Photos
    Katikiro presiding over the opening of the renovated official residence of the Buddu County Chief at Ssaza grounds in Masaka City on Tuesday. Pictures by Robert Nsubuga.

    Pictorial:  Katikiro Mayiga Slams Masaka People Over Poor Hygiene

    Ismael-Kifudde-the-Mukono-Police-Division-Officer-in-Charge-directing-Nambooze-not-to-use-the-route-heading-to-town-center

    Moments of Excessive Force Against Betty Nambooze in Recent General Elections

    Ismael-Kifudde-the-Mukono-Police-Division-Officer-in-Charge-directing-Nambooze-not-to-use-the-route-heading-to-town-center

    Throw Back: Mukono Municipality Parliamentary Processions after Nominations in Pictures

  • Profiles
    L-R MP Mawogola South (Sembabule)-Goreth Namugga, Councillor Amiri Kiggundu, COTFONE Coordinator-Kayinga Yisito Muddu and Mr Xavier Ejoyi, Country Director ActionAid International Uganda at the award event

    National Citizens’ Integrity Awards 2024: Unsung Heroes Celebrated

    Shaping Perceptions: Patricia Namiwanda, a Blind Advocate Of Change

    Shaping Perceptions: Patricia Namiwanda, a Blind Advocate Of Change

    Sr.-Crispin-Christine-Namara

    Sr. Crispin Namara: Seeta Junior School Head Teacher Redefining Education Excellence  

  • Op-Ed
    • Editorial
    • Opinion
  • Login
No Result
View All Result
Insight Post Uganda
Home Health

Crocodile Chronicles: New Findings Reveal Nile Predators’ Sensitivity To Infant Cries

Insight Post Uganda by Insight Post Uganda
August 15, 2023
in Health, News
Reading Time: 4 mins read
A A
0
Crocodile Chronicles: New Findings Reveal Nile Predators’ Sensitivity To Infant Cries

Nile Crocodile. Kruger National Park. South Africa.

Nile-Crocodile
Nile-Crocodile

By Insight Post Uganda

Study

Related posts

No Content Available

A recent scientific study has unveiled a strange way Nile crocodiles exhibit a sensitive reaction to the cries of both infant chimpanzees and human babies.

Researchers from the University of Saint Etienne and the University of Lyon in France orchestrated an experiment that underscored the crocodiles’ heightened reactivity to escalating stress levels and cries, reflecting the vulnerability of their potential prey.

This study published in a respected scientific journal called Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, aimed to understand how crocodiles react to the cries of babies. It was conducted in CrocoParc, located in Agadir, Morocco, which houses more than 325 Nile crocodiles.

The researchers creatively played distressing sounds, like the cries of young chimpanzees and the sad wails of human babies, using carefully positioned loudspeakers.

The Nile crocodile, scientifically known as Crocodylus niloticus, is deeply found in the sub-Saharan African landscapes. These creatures, whose prime habitat encompasses lakes, rivers, swamps, and marshes, have been known to thrive in the embrace of aquatic expanses.

While their capacity to tolerate saline surroundings is notable, their heartland remains firmly rooted in freshwater domains, occasionally venturing into brackish lakes and deltas. Long ago, their realm extended even to the Nile Delta.

Adult males, typically measuring 3.5 to 5 meters in length and weighing between 225 to 750 kilograms, exhibit astonishing variations in size, with some reaching an astonishing length of 6.1 meters and a weight surpassing 1,000 kilograms.

Previous studies have shown that when crocodiles hear signals of distress from animals they could potentially prey upon, they become extremely alert and are often prompted to move towards the source of the distress sounds.

Following the Moroccan experiment, a question emerged. Would crocodiles react in a similar way to distress sounds from primates, even though primates are not typically considered part of the crocs diet?

However, out of curiosity, the researchers gathered a set of audio recordings, each capturing the emotional cries of distress of regular chimpanzees, the fascinating Bonobo chimpanzees, and human babies. Each category of sounds gradually increased in intensity, creating a spectrum of distress calls.

The human cries that were recorded ranged from the cheerful babble of babies to the sobbing calls of toddlers, who were four years old and younger. These cries were heard in the comfort of their homes or even during less enjoyable but essential vaccination procedures.

The unfolding observations carried a certain style. Nile crocodiles, seemingly drawn by an irresistible force, exhibited a remarkable connection to the pained cries of severely distressed infants. As the cries grew louder, their reactions intensified, echoing the crucial junctures when their potential prey becomes most exposed.

Gender also played no role in this response, as both male and female crocodiles exhibited similar behavior. Some turned their heads or moved closer to the origin of the distress sounds. Driven by their primal instincts, a few even dared to snap at the enigmatic speakers themselves.

However, a subtle pattern emerged in their reactions, intricately tied to the intensity of the distress sounds. The crocodiles’ responses, resembling the rising and falling of a musical composition, exhibited a deliberate progression.

Around one-fifth of these top-tier predators displayed interest when exposed to the soft cries of mildly distressed human infants. In contrast, about one-third showcased an amplified reaction to the unrestrained, intense wails of infants experiencing more significant distress.

The researchers emphasize the significance of their discoveries with eloquent precision. While these experiments don’t provide a complete understanding of crocodile behavior, they do illuminate a dimension of their nature-opportunistic hunting combined with a keen awareness of distress signals in sound.

This scientific symphony unveils that these creatures, seemingly crafted from ancient legends, possess a connection to auditory cues that accentuate moments of distress.

In Uganda, Nile crocodiles are native species but unfortunately, there have been reported cases of Nile crocodile attacks on people, including children and infants, who were near or in water bodies where these crocodiles reside.

These attacks can occur when people are fishing, swimming, bathing, or carrying out other activities near the water. Nile crocodiles are known to be opportunistic predators and may view humans as potential prey, especially if they are near the water’s edge.

Authorities and local communities often take measures to raise awareness about the risks of crocodile encounters and implement safety measures to reduce the likelihood of such attacks.

END

Tags: ChimpanzeesinfantsNile predatorUniversity of LyonUniversity of St Etienne
ShareTweetPin
Previous Post

Four Arrested For Kidnapping, Trafficking 16-year-old Student

Next Post

Cattle Rustlers Kill 100 People in Agago District

Related Posts

How Sickle Cell Warriors Are Getting a Fighting Chance in Ntoroko
Health

How Sickle Cell Warriors Are Getting a Fighting Chance in Ntoroko

May 17, 2025
Drawing Out the Pain: How Art is Healing Children with Sickle Cell in Gulu
Health

Drawing Out the Pain: How Art is Healing Children with Sickle Cell in Gulu

May 15, 2025
A nurse in Kumi going out with her team for mass polio immunization.
Health

Nursing Shortage Shrinks Globally, But Not Fast Enough for Low-Income Nations

May 12, 2025
Six Health Workers Arrested Over Extortion, Absenteeism
Health

Six Health Workers Arrested Over Extortion, Absenteeism

May 11, 2025
Testing kits and a diagonistic machine donated to Kigorobya HCIV.
Health

SASCELLS Donates Sickle Cell Testing Kits to Eight Health Facilities in Hoima District

May 9, 2025
Joel Mugwanya, the Field Officer at SASCELLS, confirming the receipt of screening kits and a Gazelle machine.
Health

New Project Aims to Eliminate Sickle Cell Disease in Rwenzori Region

May 2, 2025
Next Post
Karimajong worrior

Cattle Rustlers Kill 100 People in Agago District

Please login to join discussion

RECOMMENDED NEWS

Handcuff

Murder Suspect Turns into Court Interpreter

3 months ago
Tonny Ssempijja

Court Issues Arrest Warrant Against Former Masaka City Speaker

3 months ago
Mukono NUP Leaders addressing the media today.

NUP Mukono Wing Set Seven Core Activities for Tuesday Moblisation Tour

12 months ago
Masaka Tycoon -Frank Takaya Wanted Over UGX17.6M Debt

Abasuubuzi Mukibuga Masaka Bagenda Mumaaso Nokwegugunga

1 year ago

FOLLOW US

Insight Post Uganda

We bring you the most balanced news professionally investigated by our news team. The Insight Post is Uganda’s News company regulated by the Uganda Communications Commission.

Follow us on social media:

Recent News

  • UPDF Accuses German Ambassador of Undermining Ugandan Government in Explosive Statement
  • Splintered at the Roots: Mukono NRM Primaries Expose Deepening Divisions Within the Party
  • Four Flying Squad Officers Remanded Over Gold Theft of UGX 380 Million

Category

  • Agriculture
  • Business
  • Editorial
  • Education
  • Environment
  • Health
  • Lifestyle
  • Luganda
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Photos
  • Politics
  • Profiles
  • Religion
  • Runyankole
  • Security
  • Sports
  • Tourism
  • Uncategorized
  • World News

Recent News

UPDF Accuses German Ambassador of Undermining Ugandan Government in Explosive Statement

UPDF Accuses German Ambassador of Undermining Ugandan Government in Explosive Statement

May 23, 2025
Hajji Harunah Ssemakula and his supporters.

Splintered at the Roots: Mukono NRM Primaries Expose Deepening Divisions Within the Party

May 23, 2025
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Contact

© 2024 The Insight post Uganda - The Insight post uganda. Site Powered by Bookablehood Ltd.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
error: Content is protected !!
en_USEnglish
en_USEnglish
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Sports
  • Lifestyle
  • Tourism
  • Opinion

© 2024 The Insight post Uganda - The Insight post uganda. Site Powered by Bookablehood Ltd.