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.

Visit Everything Dinosaur’s award-winning website: Dinosaur Figures, Games and Toys.

Northern Territories Considers Option of Trophy Hunting Tourism to Curb Saltwater Crocodile Numbers

Australian officials are considering plans to re-introduce crocodile trophy hunting in parts of the country, with proposals for sport hunting being put forward as a cost effective method of controlling crocodile numbers as well as boosting the tourist trade.

Crocodile Trophy Hunting

Officials from the Northern Territories have proposed that hunting of crocodiles be permitted with perhaps as many as three hundred animals, all of which would be mature adults, being culled in this way each year.  Over the last few decades the population of Saltwater or Estuarine crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) has bounced back after a ban on hunting was imposed.  As a result of the growth in the crocodile population; attacks on people from these fearsome predators has increased.

Crocodile Attacks

Several years ago, the federal government rejected a similar set of proposals, but as crocodile attacks on people and livestock have increased dramatically, State officials are once again considering this option.  Outline plans have already been drawn up and the concept has been put out to public consultation so that a wide range of views and opinions can be gathered before a final decision is made.

Environment Minister Tony Burke would not be drawn into a discussion on the issue, he stated that it would be prudent to wait until after July 25th which is when the first phase of the public consultation is due to end.

He added:

“There are different views among different traditional (Aboriginal land) owners on this and I really want to make sure I get the opportunity to hear those different views.”

If the plans are approved then a quota system would be introduced permitting a set number of adult crocodiles to be shot for sport each year.  Hunters would pay to kill the crocodiles, a similar system exists in Canada where a few hunters each year are allowed to shoot Grizzly Bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) to help control the numbers of these large, dangerous mammals.

Supporters for the crocodile hunting policy, say that in areas where it would operate, at the moment in the Northern Territory, it would provide jobs for locals and help boost tourism.

Commenting on the proposals, Northern Territory Chief Minister Paul Henderson stated:

“We have been pushing the government to consider safari hunting for some time as a way to generate indigenous employment and I’m very pleased to see steps taken in this direction.”

Up to Fifty Crocodiles Could be Hunted

Under the proposals, fifty crocodiles would be available for safari hunting for a two-year trial period, taken from the annual sustainable harvest quota of five hundred adults already allocated under an existing crocodile management programme.  Numbers could rise depending on the need to control the population with perhaps as many as three hundred crocodiles over 3.5 metres in length being shot for sport each year.

The Differences Between a Crocodile and an Alligator

Crocodile (top) and Alligator (bottom).

There are opponents to the plan.  The Australian Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) have put out a statement condemning the proposals saying it would take precision and skill to shoot a crocodile in such a way as to kill it humanely.

The RSPCA’s chief scientist Bidda Jones stated:

“There is no possible conservation benefit to be derived from the killing of crocodiles for trophies, nor does it provide a means of controlling problem crocodiles.  This is nothing more than killing animals for entertainment and there is no justification for that.”

Large crocodiles are a tourist attraction in themselves, with a number of companies offering eco-tourist excursions to see crocodiles and to feed them in the wild.  This may have a negative effect on crocodile behaviour with the animals growing accustomed to human activity and associating boats with food.  This could lead to an increase in crocodile attacks on watercraft.

Karl Hampton the Environment Minister for the Northern Territory has done his best to assure the anti-hunting lobby, pointing out that feral animals such as buffalo and wild pig are already hunted on private land and similar restrictions concerning the trophy hunting of crocodiles would be rigorously applied.

He added:

“Just like those safaris, the one proposed as part of our Crocodile Management Plan is subject to the Animal Welfare Act and strict humane obligations will apply.”

Scientists estimate that from a low point in the early 1970s Saltwater crocodile numbers have risen dramatically and there are maybe as many as 150,000 of these reptiles in the wild.  Sightings of large crocodiles near to centres of population are on the increase and on average there are two fatal crocodile attacks in Australia each year.

To read an article about a fisherman’s recent encounter with a Saltwater crocodile: Catching a Crocodile Using Prawns as Bait.

The debate is set to continue with a final decision being taken once the programme of public consultation has been completed.

Visit Everything Dinosaur’s award-winning website: Dinosaur Themed Toys and Gifts.

Rangers Shoot Troublesome Saltwater Crocodile

Rangers in the Northern Territory (Australia), have shot and killed an eleven foot plus troublesome Saltwater crocodile (C. porosus) with a taste for dogs and all sorts of “oddities” including a nappy, a football and clothing.  The crocodile was attacking a dog at a beach near the small community of Galiwinku on Elcho island when rangers intervened and shot the animal dead.  The dog although mauled survived the attack.

Elcho island is approximately 350 miles east of the city of Darwin.  There are a number of very large Saltwater crocodiles in the area, attacks on people are not unknown and a number of crocodiles have been culled in the Northern Territories in the last few months.

It is standard procedure to examine the stomach contents of crocodiles that have been culled, the stomach acids of a crocodile are capable of dissolving bone, but stomach content analysis as part of a general autopsy, can provide the authorities with valuable information which might help to explain why a crocodile might become a “nuisance” animal.  For example, if the stomach contains quantities of plant material as well as no natural prey remains it could indicate an underlying health problem that prevented the crocodile from being able to hunt its typical food of fish, although in reality a “Saltie” would attack almost anything that moves.

Troublesome Saltwater Crocodile

The Saltwater crocodile’s instinct to lunge and mouth anything that comes within range of its powerful jaws might help explain the odd assortment of items that were found inside the stomach.  Amongst the bones of another dog, there was a football (deflated), a nappy and a small pair of shorts.

A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“We had once come across a crocodile that had swallowed a plastic soldier.  The crocodile had eaten a bright yellow, plastic soldier, this came to light when the stomach contents of the animal was analysed.  A crocodile uses its mouth to sense items in its environment, their instinct is to attack first and deal with the consequences later.”

Local officials at Galiwinku said that this particular crocodile posed a threat to the local population, it had been terrorising pets in the area and the threat of an attack on a person was always present, so the crocodile had to be killed when it attacked again.  A few weeks ago, another Saltwater crocodile in another part of Australia was killed after it had reportedly eaten nine dogs.

All this news coincides with a new campaign aimed at attracting visitors to the country, with a renowned crocodile hunter being featured in a tourist promotion highlighting some of the colourful characters to be found in Australia.

A Crocodile Catcher

Former crocodile catcher Greg “Hairy Dog” Harman is one of a number of Australians who will be fronting a campaign by the Western Australia Tourism board, promoting the natural beauty and sense of adventure of the Kimberley region (Western Australia).   Any resemblance to the fictional Mick “Crocodile” Dundee is purely coincidental, but we at Everything Dinosaur note the huge boost in Australian tourism that resulted when the films starring Paul Hogan were released back in the late 1980s.

Harman is a local guide and fishing expert specialising in catching Barramundi amongst the crocodiles that inhabit the Ord River.  In a press release about the appointment, Australia’s North West Tourism Chief Executive Glen Chidlow said Harman had many similarities to the character immortalised by Hogan in the blockbuster 1980s films.

Glen commented:

“He’s one of the gruff characters of the Outback.  One of those rugged, larger than life characters who have spent the last 25 years showing the natural attractions of the Kimberley to people from around the world.”

Ironically, the Saltwater crocodiles in the Kimberley region, many of which grow to over 4 metres in length, are one of the main attractions for wildlife tourists in the area.  Let’s hope that the crocodiles behave themselves and don’t go after any pets, or people for that matter.  Whilst for the sake of the crocodiles, let us hope that the people can remember to take their rubbish home so that it does not end up in the stomach of one of these fearsome reptiles.

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

South African Crocodile Farm Charged with Cruelty against Crocs.

In high demand from the fashion industry for their skins; crocodile farming has become a substantial, international business over the last three decades or so.  At Everything Dinosaur, we frequently report on crocodile attacks and encounters between the public and nuisance crocodiles that pose a threat, but our own species exploiting these ancient creatures is rarely reported upon.  However, South Africa’s national society for the prevention of cruelty to animals (SPCA) has brought criminal charges against a crocodile farm based in northern KwaZulu-Natal over the way in which crocodiles are being kept.

Crocodile Farmer

SPCA national council inspector Nazareth Appalsamy stated that charges of animal cruelty had been put upon Coen Labuschagne, who runs Metcroc Boerdery as he has allegedly contravened both the South African National Standard of Crocodiles in Captivity Act and the National Animal Protection Act.

Up to two hundred crocodiles, some of which exceed two metres in length are being kept in what has been described as “coffin-shaped” enclosures, less than two metres long, approximately 1.8 metres wide and in water only about thirty centimetres deep.  The animals are being kept in what are termed finishing pens.  To improve the saleable quality of the animal’s skin, the crocodiles are separated and put into individual pens so that other crocodiles don’t damage the hide.  The reptiles are being kept in pens that are so small, that some of the larger animals are unable to turn round or to lie out straight as their body length exceeds the length of the enclosure.

Denied shade, heating and the company of other crocodiles animal welfare officers suspect that the animals are suffering considerable distress.  Many animals are unable to leave the water that they have been provided with, the pens are just to small to house crocodiles of this size.

Commenting on the conditions, Mr Appalsamy stated:

“Some of the crocodiles themselves are more than two metres in length and so their tails are bent in the enclosure, or their heads have to be permanently at an angle.  They basically cannot lie or rest straight.  There is no shade cloth or shelter or any heating requirements, which would be necessary depending on the season.”

Crocodile Farm Visits

He went on to add that the SPCA’s action was supported by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife which also visited the farm to inspect the conditions in which the crocodiles were being kept.  It is unfortunate, that whilst the demand for crocodile belts, shoes and handbags still exists there is the temptation to maximise profits at the expense of the animal’s welfare.

A spokesperson for Everything Dinosaur commented:

“People get very upset when they hear stories about cruelty to animals that are being kept in captivity for their fur, or when young seals are clubbed to death for their hides, but animal welfare issues extend beyond the “cute and cuddly” and it is important to ensure that other commercial industries such as crocodile farming are properly regulated to.”

SPCA inspector Mr Appalsamy said that a permit application from Labuschagne had been received about three months ago, but this was opposed, however, the organisation was alerted when another nearby crocodile farmer reported that the pens had been built.

A spokesperson for the SPCA who visited the site, said what they saw was “shocking and cruel.”

According to news sources Mr Labuschagne was in Mozambique and denied any knowledge of the criminal charges laid against him, he also denied that the conditions in which some of the crocodiles were being housed were considered cruel.

He went onto deny the measurements of the pens as given by the SPCA stating:

“That’s a lie.  It is wrong what they are saying. I don’t know where they got those measurements from.”

The case has highlighted welfare conditions for crocodiles in southern Africa and the charges will probably result in court proceedings.

For models and replicas of crocodilians and other archosaurs: Archosaurs, Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Animal Toys.