The Terrifying Legend Of Gustave: The Man-Eating Crocodile Of Lake Tanganyika

For decades, the people of Lake Tanganyika in Burundi have been terrorized by an enormous man-eating crocodile known as Gustave. This legendary creature has not only become a symbol of fear in the region but also a subject of fascination and study. The Nile crocodile is rumored to have killed over 300 people and has earned legendary status in the area along the Rusizi River. Crocodile specialist Marc Gansuana shared with Newsweek that Gustave has been known about for some time, and records of his attacks on villagers date back to 1987, documented by National Geographic.

However, he was only formally identified and named in 2001 by herpetologist Patrice Faye. Gustave is thought to be one of the largest crocodiles in Africa, stretching nearly 20 feet long and weighing approximately 2,000 pounds. According to Gansuana, "His size means he cannot be mistaken with any other one in his territory." In a 2002 interview with the BBC, Faye explained that the crocodile's enormous size could be a factor in his unusual diet that includes humans.

Most of the time, Gustave spends his days on a small river island near Lake Tanganyika, the second-largest lake in Eastern Africa. However, during mating season, he travels along the banks of the Ruzizi River, becoming particularly dangerous. His notorious reputation stems from the numerous attacks on fishermen and bathers, with reports suggesting that he can consume 10, 15, or even 20 people during his forays. One year, a follow-up on his path revealed that 17 people had been eaten between Kanyosha and Minago, and Kabezi and Magara. What makes Gustave even more intriguing is that he has not been seen since 2016, raising questions about his fate and whereabouts.