Locals Take Action to Cull Crocodiles as Fears over Attacks Increases

Queensland environmental officers have discovered the torso of a Saltwater crocodile at a popular North Queensland beach and believe the animal was caught and beheaded by local residents protesting about the Governments failure to act to control crocodile numbers.  A local member of Parliament has commented that this beheading is a sign that Queenslanders have lost patience with the State and the National Government’s plans to manage the growing population of Saltwater crocodiles.

Saltwater Crocodile

The body of the eight foot long reptile was discovered just yards from where a border collie dog, a pet of a local fisherman, was snatched and dragged into the water by a large predator a few days earlier.   Andrew Powell (Environment Minister), said in a statement that it appeared that the crocodile had been caught on a baited, stainless steel hook, this was found embedded in the animals torso.

Rangers discovered the body at Kewarra Beach, north of Cairns, a popular location with tourists and fishermen.  The officers had been at the beach, setting traps in a bid to catch the crocodile that killed the dog, tests are being carried out to see if the beheaded crocodile was responsible for the attack.

Dealing with Resident’s Concerns

Although State officials are very aware of the concerns of residents, local people have been reminded that crocodiles remain a protected species and people illegally killing these reptiles can face fines of up to $24,000 AUD if caught and prosecuted.

In a bid to reassure residents, Mr Powell stated that the State Government was committed to a new crocodile management plan that would hopefully reduce the risk of attacks on people.  The plan entails putting in place a number of security measures to prevent large crocodiles entering areas used for swimming or for other water activities.  Crocodiles showing aggressive, unprovoked behaviour towards people are automatically removed to more remote wildlife habitats and there is a programme in place to routinely capture and remove any crocodile seen basking on ramps or marinas.

To see models of prehistoric animals including extinct archosaurs: Safari Ltd Dinosaur Models.

When asked to comment on this specific incident of the beheaded crocodile, Mr Powell said:

“We will take action to address this issue … but it is not safe or appropriate for anyone to take part in this sort of behaviour.”

Local Residents are Angry

Other politicians have commented that local residents are angry at what is seen to be a lack of action from State officials, the slaying of the crocodile is believed to be a sign that local people have lost faith in the authorities and are prepared to take matters into their own hands.

Although hunted to near extinction in the early part of the 20th century, Saltwater crocodile numbers in Queensland have been steadily increasing since 1970.  These crocodiles are man-eaters and even a relatively small specimen at a little over a metre in length is capable of inflicting severe injuries to a person should the crocodile be given the opportunity to grab them.

State officials are confident that the existing measures being implemented should be enough to reduce the risk of attacks, but local residents have been urged to take note of the numerous crocodile warning signs that are being placed alongside beaches, rivers and other stretches of water where large crocodiles have been spotted previously.

Body of Saltwater Crocodile Found – Shot by Trophy Hunters?

Government environmental officers in the town of Broome (Kimberley region, Western Australia), are examining the carcase of a four-metre-long crocodile found at a popular, local fishing spot known as Crab Creek.  Saltwater crocodiles are relatively common in the area but to find the corpse of an animal is quite rare, especially one where most of the teeth have been removed.

Saltwater Crocodile

The officials suspect that the animal, which had been shot, was killed by trophy hunters eager to grab crocodile teeth as they make “crocodile Dundee-like” hat bands and necklaces.

To read an article about a Saltwater crocodile with unusual tastes: Crocodile with Odd Tastes.

The decomposing body was discovered a couple of days ago and an examination of the skull showed that the reptile had been shot in the head with a high-powered rifle.

A district wildlife officer commented:

“With this animal we found the teeth had been removed, people like to keep teeth for necklaces or trophies so that could have been the motive.”

In Western Australia it is an offence to kill a crocodile, there is a $10,000 AUD fine for anyone caught and there are additional penalties for anyone taking parts of a carcase – including the teeth.

If the bullet is found it will be removed and studied as part of the investigation.

For replicas and models of crocodiles and extinct archosaurs: Everything Dinosaur Prehistoric Animal Models.

Residents Fearful of Crocodile Attacks

Whilst plans are being discussed by Australian Government officials whether or not to re-introduce crocodile hunting, residents in the town of Cairns (Queensland), are becoming increasingly concerned about the encroachment of Saltwater crocodiles up creeks, rivers and other popular tourist and fishing spots.

Saltwater Crocodile

The increase in crocodile sightings, so close to homes has led the Environment Minister for Queensland to take action, visiting Cairns to discuss plans as how best to control the growing crocodile population.  Minister Andrew Powell is keen to explore ways in which crocodile numbers can be controlled before attacks on people and livestock become any more frequent.  For the moment, Mr Powell has stated that there are no plans to start culling crocodiles, however, the Australian Government is reviewing its options.

To read an article about the surprise discovery of a Freshwater crocodile (Crocodylus johnsoni) in a Queensland weir: Fishery Officials Catch Crocodile.

State officials in Australia’s Northern Territory are currently considering a plan to re-introduce sport hunting of crocodiles.  To read more about the proposals: Australia considers crocodile trophy hunting.

As the number of sightings increase, so officials are conducting surveys and crocodile counts in the rivers and lakes to try to estimate the population of Saltwater crocodiles in the Cairns area.

For replicas and models of crocodiles and other archosaurs: Models of Extinct Animals.

Rare Crocodile Facing Extinction

The first of a batch of rare crocodile eggs have successfully hatched at a UK wildlife park.  This is the first instance of the eggs of a  Morelet’s crocodile being incubated and hatching in the country.  The happy event took place in the reptile house of the Cotswold Wildlife Park (Oxfordshire, England).

The young crocodiles are doing well and enjoying themselves in their special pool, to keep them away from their parents Morticia and Gomez who, might decide to eat them as cannibalism is known in many crocodile species.  Zoo staff are hopeful that other eggs will soon hatch and then after a few months the brood will most likely be split up with individual crocs going to other zoos to help in a a Morelet’s crocodile breeding programme.

Crocodile Eggs

A number of species of crocodile are listed under international treaties with regards to their conservation status.  Although these animals are remarkably hardy, many species have suffered due to loss of habitat and as a result of hunting for their valuable skins.  The Mexican crocodile (Crocodylus moreletii), otherwise known as the Central American crocodile or Morelet’s crocodile, after the French naturalist who first recognised this animal as a distinct species, is one such crocodile that has been persecuted over the years.

A native to freshwater habitats of Mexico, Belize and Guatemala, this particular crocodile, which can grow to lengths of 4 metres or more, is closely related to the Cuban and the American crocodiles.  It has a broad snout and a row of dark bands that run down its flanks, making its skin highly prized.  It is very similar in appearance to the now extremely rare Cuban crocodile.

Attacks are Rare

Although, attacks by this creature are very infrequent, it is still regarded as highly dangerous and a potential man-eater.  A homeless man was attacked by a crocodile (believed to be a Morelet’s crocodile) near the holiday resort of Cancun in Mexico.  The man lost his right hand in the attack and is recovering in hospital.  Alejandro Lopez was walking near an area of mangroves on the shore of Nichupte lagoon when he was attacked.  Police state that there are warning signs indicating the presence of these reptiles and they urge locals and curious tourists to avoid this part of the coast.

Recently, there have been moves to reinstate crocodile hunting in part of the Morelet’s habitat as government officials believe that in certain parts of this crocodile’s territory populations have recovered enough to permit a sustainable hunting programme.

For replicas and figures of ancient crocodilians and other prehistoric animals: Crocodilians and Prehistoric Animal Models (CollectA Prehistoric Life).

Lungfish Survey Leads to Crocodile Capture

Fishery officers carrying out a survey of fish species in the Wide Bay-Burnett region of Queensland got a shock when the weir they were surveying turned out to be the home of a Freshwater crocodile.  The quick thinking fishery officials were able to tape the animal’s long jaws closed and prevent themselves or indeed the crocodile, from being hurt.

Freshwater Crocodile

The close encounter with a crocodile took place at Mundubbera’s Jones Weir last week, whilst the fishery team were carrying out lungfish research.  Mundubbera may be the confluence of three rivers, but Australian Freshwater crocodiles (Crocodylus johnsoni) are not known from this part of Queensland, indeed the nearest population of wild Freshwater crocodiles are to be found in most northerly parts of the State where it is much more humid and generally warmer throughout the year.

How the one-and-a -half-metre-long reptile got into the weir remains a mystery but staff from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry suspect that this male crocodile had been taken from the wild and kept illegally before getting too big and dangerous for the owner to cope with.  The crocodile was most probably dumped at the weir location and may have been there for some time before the survey team came to their study and discovered what must be the weir’s most unexpected resident.

The fishery survey team were releasing electrical charges into the water to stun fish so that the population and diversity of the species could be logged.  After one electric shock was delivered, the stunned reptile floated to the surface, much to the amazement of the research team.

Australian Freshwater crocodiles are to be found in Western Australia, the Northern Territory and the far north of Queensland.  Much smaller than the other crocodile species that is indigenous to Australia, the Saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), this species only rarely attacks people, but the long, narrow jaws lined with sharp teeth are very capable of inflicting a severe injury should a crocodile be provoked into an attack.

 Catch of the Day – The Mundubbera Crocodile

At least six hundred miles from home.

Picture credit: Dept. of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

The weir is a popular fishing spot but the Mundubbera Anglers and Fish Stocking Association president Kyle Gleich stated that none of the local fisherman had reported anything unusual from the location.  The crocodile has been checked over by veterinary staff and given a clean bill of health, despite living in much cooler conditions and being over six hundred miles away from its natural habitat.

The freshwater crocodile probably survived by feeding on fish, frogs and flying foxes.  Commenting on the unusual discovery, Mike Devery, a wildlife manager at the Environment and Heritage Protection Department stated:

“It is likely the crocodile had been released there at some time.  We have had a number of incidents where Freshwater crocodiles have been found that had probably been acquired as pets and then the owners decided they didn’t want it and let it go.”

The fishery staff surveying the watercourse deserve praise for their quick thinking, grabbing and securing the crocodile after it had been stunned before it could pose a threat to the research team.  For this crocodile, being returned to the wild is not an option.  He has been exposed to an environment that would be alien to wild populations, a transfer to the wild could mean the spread of disease.  The future for this particular reptile is uncertain, Government officials are hoping that a zoo will take him in, otherwise he might end up at a commercial crocodile farm.

For replicas and models of crocodilians and extinct archosaurs: Models of Extinct Archosaurs and Dinosaurs.

Lolong – Officially the Biggest Crocodile in Captivity

A giant Estuarine crocodile, otherwise known as a Saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) captured by villagers in the Philippines has been officially declared the largest crocodile in captivity.  Everything Dinosaur reported on the capture of the six metre long monster croc last September when brave villagers in Bunawan, aided by the local authorities trapped the huge reptile.

To read the original article: Monster Crocodile Caught.

The crocodile, called Lolong to honour a Philippine Government official who died from a heart attack after travelling to the area to help capture the crocodile, has been housed in a new eco-tourism park just outside the village and it has proved to be a star attraction.  After being officially declared the largest crocodile in capitivity by the Guinness World Records Association, no doubt more tourists will come to see the monster.

Up until Lolong was officially measured the title of the largest captive crocodile belonged to Cassius, another Saltwater crocodile that was housed in the Marineland Melanesia wildlife zoo on Green Island of the coast of Queensland (Australia).

To read about Cassius: Question – what is the biggest crocodile alive today?

Cassius had been measured at 5.48 metres long, but the Philippine monster has been measured at 6.17 metres in length.  Estimating the weight of these creatures is difficult, imagine persuading a twenty-foot long crocodile to sit on some scales, but both these apex predators probably weigh more than 1,000 kilogrammes.

Biologists suggest that these crocodiles, the largest species of reptile in the world can live for over one hundred years and males may reach lengths in excess of seven metres.  Unlike humans, animals like crocodiles can continue to grow incrementally for as long as they live.  A very old male crocodile could exceed twenty-three feet in length.  Worryingly for the inhabitants of Bunawan, they have been reports of an even larger crocodile lurking in the lush, swampland of the region.  Fishermen are still very wary of going fishing after dark just in case there is an attack.

The Difference Between a Crocodile and and Alligator

Crocodile (top) and Alligator (bottom).

The village mayor Edwin Cox Elorde stated that the news of their record breaker led to celebrations amongst the locals.  Lolong has already proved to be a big hit with tourists and visitors who have brought much needed income into the area.  Now that this Philippine monster has been officially declared the biggest crocodile in captivity in the world, more people are expected to visit, to catch a glimpse of the region’s very own “prehistoric-looking monster”.

The mayor went on to add:

“There were mixed feelings [in the community].  We are really proud because Lolong proves the rich biodiversity of our place but at the same time there are fears that Lolong may not be alone.”

With the possibility of an even larger predator in the area, local officials are seeking Government permission to carry out more trapping in the area.  Crocodile attacks are a constant threat and for many of the inhabitants of Bunawan who make their living as fishermen, there are growing fears that an even bigger and more dangerous crocodile may be present in the swamp.

For models and scale figures of extinct and extant archosaurs: Models of Extinct and Extant Archosaurs.

Last Pinta Giant Tortoise Dies Sub-species of Giant Tortoise now Extinct

Officials at the Galapagos National Park have announced that the giant Pinta Island tortoise, the last of a sub-species of Galapagos giant tortoise has died.  The tortoise, affectionately known as “Lonesome George” was approximately one hundred years of age, a post-mortem would be undertaken to determine the cause of his death as some species of giant tortoise on the Galapagos islands can live for over two hundred years.

“Lonesome George”

Having failed to produce any offspring and with no evidence of any remaining members of the giant tortoise sub-species existing in the wild, “Lonesome George” was regarded as the very last of his kind.  With his death the sub-species known as Chelonoidis nigra abingdoni has become officially extinct.

For many years, scientists tried unsuccessfully to get the last of the Pinta Island tortoises to mate with closely related females, (from genetically similar sub-species) but to no avail.  The body of George was discovered by one of his keepers and this marks the extinction of this type of giant tortoise.

Giant Tortoise

The giant tortoise had become a tourist attraction and a symbol of the conservation efforts being carried out on the islands, which are formally under the management of the Government of Ecuador.  It was Sir Charles Darwin who first published widely read papers on the indigenous life to be found on the various islands that make up the Galapagos Archipelago.  He visited the islands in September 1835, and spent a few weeks studying the fauna and the flora.

The island of Pinta, in Darwin’s time was known as Abingdon Island and it was the Vice Governor of the Galapagos, Mr Lawson who impressed upon the young Darwin how each island seemed to have its own unique species.  Vice Governor Lawson declared that although some of the islands were only a few tens of miles apart, animals like the tortoises differed from the different islands.  He boasted that when presented with a tortoise, a quick examination would permit him to tell from which of the islands that tortoise originated from.  Darwin’s experiences on the Galapagos helped him to form his theory of natural selection and the origin of species.

The passing of “Lonesome George” is a sad event, although there are still many thousands of species of Chelonia in the world, many are under threat and any animal that could act as symbol for conservation and help to focus people’s efforts towards saving ecosystems and habitats was playing an important role, we lament the passing of George, perhaps his story will serve as a reminder to us all about how fragile such environments and the species that live within them are.

To read an article about the evolution of turtles and tortoises: How the Tortoise Got Its Shell.

The tortoise had been in captivity since 1972.  He was found by a Hungarian scientist, at the time the sub-species Chelonoidis nigra abingdoni was already thought to have become extinct so finding a male of the sub-species in the wild caused great excitement amongst scientists, but despite a prolonged search, no other representatives of the sub-species were found.

The body of George is being stored in a chilled,environmentally conditioned room to permit it to be preserved so that scientists can embalm the body and preserve it as a specimen.

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