Gustave is a male Nile crocodile who has achieved legendary status due to his immense size and terrifying reputation along the waters of Burundi. He roams the Ruzizi River and the northern shores of Lake Tanganyika. Herpetologists and local residents have attempted to determine his exact physical dimensions, but the animal’s cunning and elusiveness have made precise measurement impossible. The mystery surrounding Gustave’s true scale has amplified his notoriety as one of the largest predatory reptiles on the African continent.
The Estimated Dimensions of Gustave
The most widely reported estimates suggest Gustave is one of the largest Nile crocodiles on record, though these figures are based solely on visual observation. Researchers, notably French herpetologist Patrice Faye, believe his length is approximately 18 to 20 feet, or possibly even longer. This is significantly beyond the average size for a mature male Nile crocodile, which typically reaches 13 to 16 feet.
His estimated weight is equally staggering, with most observations placing him at over 2,000 pounds, or nearly one ton. For comparison, the average male of the species weighs closer to 900 pounds, highlighting his extraordinary bulk. Scientists initially guessed his age to be near 100 years based on his sheer size.
This initial age estimate was later adjusted downward because Gustave appears to have a full set of teeth. A 100-year-old crocodile would typically be nearly toothless, suggesting his age is closer to 60 years. A 60-year-old Nile crocodile is still considered to be in its prime growing years, as these reptiles continue to increase in size throughout their lifespans. His unusual mass may limit his ability to hunt the more agile prey preferred by smaller crocodiles, which is thought to influence his predatory behavior.
The Origin of the Legend
Gustave’s fearsome reputation stems from a long history of attacks on humans, earning him the title of a serial killer among crocodiles. Local reports of attacks along the shores of Lake Tanganyika date back as far as 1987. The number of people attributed to Gustave varies widely, with rumors suggesting a body count as high as 300, though conservative estimates place the figure closer to 60 victims.
His notoriety is cemented by unusual behaviors that distinguish him from other large crocodiles. Eyewitnesses report that Gustave does not always consume his human victims, often leaving the bodies largely uneaten. This suggests his attacks may not be driven purely by hunger, but possibly by defensive or territorial instincts. This massive crocodile is also easily identified by distinctive scars on his body.
He has three visible bullet scars and a deep wound on his right shoulder blade, marks that attest to multiple failed attempts to kill him. Some local accounts claim his scales are so tough they can deflect bullets, contributing to the myth of his near-invulnerability. Gustave’s primary hunting grounds are the Ruzizi River, which flows into Lake Tanganyika, and the northern shores of the lake, where he travels during the mating season.
Challenges in Scientific Verification and Current Status
The primary obstacle to scientifically verifying Gustave’s exact size has been the inability to capture him despite several determined attempts. Herpetologist Patrice Faye led a two-year study culminating in an ambitious capture effort documented in the film Capturing the Killer Croc. The team constructed a massive trap, weighing 2,000 pounds and measuring nearly 30 feet long, specifically designed to withstand the animal’s immense power.
The researchers used various baits, including live animals, and installed infrared cameras to monitor the trap in the Ruzizi River. Gustave consistently avoided the large cage, displaying an uncanny wariness of the human-made device. Smaller crocodiles were occasionally caught, but the giant predator refused the bait, leading researchers to believe he possesses significant experience and intelligence.
Logistical difficulties compounded the problem, as capture attempts were conducted in Burundi, a region frequently affected by civil unrest and political instability. The environment made prolonged scientific fieldwork extremely challenging and dangerous. Gustave was last reliably sighted in 2009, with unconfirmed reports of sightings as late as 2015.
While there was an unverified claim in 2019 that Gustave had been killed, no concrete evidence or photographic proof has emerged. The absence of a confirmed measurement means his exact size remains an estimate, contributing to his enduring status as a mythical figure. The uncertainty surrounding his fate means the immense, scarred crocodile could still be roaming the waters of Lake Tanganyika.