The Parks and Wildlife Commission NT (PWCNT) crocodile management team has removed 287 estuarine (saltwater) crocodiles from Northern Territory waterways as part of its crocodile management program.
PWCNT wildlife ranger Tom Nichols said this included 264 from the Darwin region and 16 from the Katherine region.
“This year’s total is a significant increase on last year’s tally of 226 and close to the 2012 record of 318,” Mr Nichols said.
“With more than five salties removed from Top End waters every week on average, this should serve as a reminder to the public to always BE CROCWISE.
“This means behaving responsibly in and around Territory waters at all times, heeding all safety signs and not putting yourself or others at risk of crocodile attack.
“Saltwater crocodiles were removed from many parts of the Territory this year including Darwin Harbour, the northern suburbs as well as tidal creeks and inlets, meaning they could be anywhere at any time.
“Techniques used to remove crocodiles from Top End waters included the use of traps and custom fitted croc boats that include specifically fitted harpoon racks, crocodile slide, self-draining deck and side rails.”
The largest crocodile caught this year was 4.75m long at Daly River on 16 December.
Of the 287 saltwater crocodiles captured this year in the Northern Territory, 212 were removed from Darwin Harbour including a 4.25m long male at Little Howard River on 11 February.
Estuarine crocodiles are common in the Top End and can inhabit any waterways including freshwater systems, billabongs and low areas subject to flooding.
The Parks and Wildlife Commission NT urges the public to BE CROCWISE and remember that croc danger is real so don’t risk your life. For more information go to www.nt.gov.au/becrocwise
To report estuarine (saltwater) crocodile sightings in the Darwin region phone 0419 822 859 or in the Katherine region phone 0407 958 405.
Ends
Media Note – for more information contact Tom Nichols on 0419 822 859.
Issued: 12pm Wednesday, 31 December 2014