MAPUTO (AFP) — Mozambique will export more than 100,000 crocodiles to neighbouring South Africa and Zimbabwe over the next four months, a local official said on Thursday.
"Fishermen in the valley of River Zambezi in central Tete Province are set to collect crocodile eggs in coordination with South Africa breeders," Manuel Santos, a provincial government official, told AFP.
"Crocodiles born following artificial incubation will be exported to South Africa and Zimbabwe," he added.
In addition to expected economic gains, Mozambican authorities say exporting the crocodiles will make it possible to bring soaring numbers of the reptiles, which constitute a threat to the population in the valley of River Zambezi, under control.
"The number of people killed by wild animals, including crocodiles, has been on the increase in recent years," Santos said.
"Therefore, collecting crocodile eggs, breeding and exporting these animals would contribute to reducing or controlling their number in a way that they would no longer pose (a) danger to the population," he said.
Mozambican authorities last month authorised soldiers to intervene to protect anybody threatened by wild animals, including elephants and crocodiles.
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