Culling Estuarine Crocodiles may Not Reduce Crocodile Attacks

Calls for a cull of the Saltwater crocodile population in the Northern Territories (Australia) are growing after two fatal attacks on children within the last month.  Such a cull could prove to be counter productive and ironically, lead to an increase in crocodile attacks on people.  Biologists are aware that large crocodiles set up territories and are very aggressive towards others of their own species, a cull of big Saltwater crocodiles could result in one of the natural controls of species numbers in the wild, predation by other crocodiles, being removed.  This in turn, could lead to a population increase as more of the reptiles reach breeding age, thus increasing the likelihood of crocodile attacks.

Saltwater Crocodile

Two children were killed in separate incidents over the last four weeks.  In the first, a seven year old girl was eaten by a Saltwater crocodile at Gumarrirnbang outstation.  In the second attack, which took place at Port Bradshaw in East Arnham Land, a nine year old boy was grabbed and dragged under the water.  The crocodile was attacked by spear fishermen, but they could not force the crocodile to let go of the child and the four-metre specimen disappeared into deeper water taking its victim with it.  It is believed that some locals had been in the habit of feeding a large crocodile, behaviour that police authorities condemned.  Such instances are indeed a tragedy and there have been a number of vociferous calls for a cull of these large predators.

Fatal attacks remain rare in Australia, Saltwater crocodiles are responsible for a virtually all of the attacks, although it is a mistake to think that the smaller Australian crocodile (Crocodylus johnsoni) is not aggressive, this species has been known to attack swimmers too, especially in the crocodile’s breeding season when the males in particular are extremely aggressive.

Superb Ambush Predators

Crocodiles are superb ambush predators, a five metre long Saltwater crocodile can remain underwater for more than forty minutes.  It can detect movement in the water around it and it feeds by grabbing animals that come down to the water to drink.  The jaws are extremely powerful and can “snap” down onto potential prey with many times the bite force of a mammal apex predator such as a lion.  Once caught in the jaws, the crocodile’s instinct is to drag the victim underwater where they will drown.

In many cases, crocodiles do not eat their victims straight away but store the unfortunate prey underwater.   Such behaviour may lead to a crocodile making several attacks, even when it has enough food to sustain it for a considerable time already stored away in its various larders.

As Estuarine crocodiles (the other name for “Salties”) have been protected in Australia for nearly fifty years, their numbers once decimated by over hunting, have recovered rapidly.  Crocodiles are now encroaching into areas of human population, animals are frequently caught by rangers and removed from areas such as Darwin harbour as a precaution to prevent the threat of crocodile attacks.  Netting and traps are also employed but large crocodiles can learn to avoid such hazards and unlike sharks, they can always get out of the water and walk on land to find a suitable river, creek or billabong to inhabit.

Marine Crocodiles?

Saltwater crocodiles are not just restricted to inland areas, as their name suggests they are very comfortable in the sea and they are quite happy to swim long distances.  This ability to survive a long time at sea, not only helps them to “hop” around the coast from bay to bay but it has permitted the Saltwater crocodile to thrive over a huge area of eastern hemisphere.  This species of crocodile has the largest territory of any crocodile, from Sri Lanka, through to the Philippines as well as the northern coast of Australia.

Lobbying for the Return of Hunting

Lobbyists who are pro-hunting point out that trophy hunters would pay top dollar for a chance to bag one of the largest predators on Earth, certainly the largest reptile on the planet, a creature that would not look out of place amongst the dinosaurs.  After all, the crocodilians have been around for a very long time, and the ancestors of today’s alligators, caimans, gharials and true crocodiles did indeed live alongside the dinosaurs.

The Differences Between a Crocodile and an Alligator

Crocodile (top) and Alligator (bottom).

The crocodiles themselves are tourist attractions with a number of companies operating river cruises where brave tourists can get up close and even feed one of the most dangerous animals to be found anywhere in the world today.

With news of fatal crocodile attacks and more frequent incidents when crocodiles encroach onto areas of population, it can be argued that Australia receives adverse publicity.  However, the tourist industry, a vital source of revenue for the Northern Territories remains vibrant with a large number of visitors attracted to this part of the country, specifically because of the chance to see crocodiles and other exotic wildlife.

To read an article from the autumn of 2012 about protestors beheading a crocodile: Crocodile is Beheaded.

A cull of crocodiles could result in an increase in crocodile attacks.  Crocodiles are capable of cannibalism and large crocs do attack and eat smaller members of their own species.  If a number of top predators are shot, then a natural check on the population of smaller crocodiles would be removed.  This could result in more crocodiles growing up and therefore an increase in total crocodile numbers.

A Caiman Cull in Venezuela

The Venezuelan Government introduced a cull to reduce the number of large, male caimans in their country’s river system.  A cull was carried out on large males in some populations, whilst other populations were left alone.

When scientists compared the numbers of caiman from the culled areas and the populations where no controls had been put in place, they discovered that the overall numbers and biomass of these reptiles had actually increased where the cull had taken place.  After the large bull caimans were removed from the ecosystem, sub-adult males grew more rapidly and reached maturity quicker and in greater numbers.  These animals subsequently bred leading to a net increase in the population.  In areas where no cull had occurred the caiman population remained static.

It seems a cull, even a relatively minor one where trophy hunters could kill up to fifty individuals a year may not be the answer.  Already in place are a number of education programmes advising locals and tourists of the danger of crocodile attacks and what steps can be taken to reduce the threat of a potential crocodile encounter.  Since these apex predators of Australia received protection back in 1971, their numbers have risen from an estimated less than 4,000 individuals left after widespread hunting, to something like 90,000 crocodiles today.

The debate over how best we can live alongside these dangerous animals is set to continue.  More attacks will occur and there will be fatalities.  It seems that there is no easy answer as to how humans and “Salties” can share the same environment.

Everything Dinosaur stocks a wide range of prehistoric animal models and figures including ancient crocodilians and other archosaurs: Prehistoric Animal Figures and Models.

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.