Environment Centre urges caution on crocodile hunting push. Killing for ‘sport’ may increase attacks on people.

The Environment Centre of the Northern Territory says great caution is required before any go ahead is given for commercial crocodile hunting – otherwise know as ‘safari’ or ‘trophy’ hunting.

ECNT Coordinator Peter Robertson said that there are still large gaps in our knowledge about crocodile populations and the ecology of crocodiles.

“It may turn out that killing the biggest crocodiles for ‘sport’ has an adverse impact on both the health of crocodile populations and public safety.

“From what we know about crocodiles and other large predators, killing the largest and most dominant animals may actually increase crocodile numbers in a given area because the large animals keep many other smaller animals away. So the threat of attacks on humans could actually increase.

“Furthermore, killing the largest animals may over time lead to a degradation of the crocodile gene pool – with implications for the viability of crocodile populations.

“There are also serious issues about the management of a ‘safari’ type venture – given the chronic under-spending on all aspects of the environment in the NT. Who will pay to ensure the venture is managed to the highest standards of safety, humaneness and sustainability?

“Some safari operators may benefit, maybe some Indigenous communities, but operations of this type require a lot of administration and monitoring and the public may end up footing the bill.

“Blurring distinctions between scientific-based culling, commercial ‘harvesting’ operations, and thrill-killing, brings many risks. Our crocodile populations have already suffered greatly at the hands of people acting in ignorance or for greed and we must not allow this to be repeated.”

NOTE: Under the existing NT government crocodile management plan, up to 1,100 crocodiles annually can be taken from the wild, and up to 33,000 eggs. About 5,000 crocodile skins are exported from the NT each year.

Further comment: Peter Robertson 8981 1984 / 0409 089 020