The Department of Tourism and Culture’s crocodile management team has removed a record 371 saltwater crocodiles from Northern Territory waterways throughout 2017.

As part of the government’s crocodile management program, 2017’s captures are a leap on 2016’s 225, and breaks the previous record set in 2012 at 318 captures.

Department of Tourism and Culture, Crocodile Management Chief Wildlife Ranger Tom Nichols said the increase in crocodile captures was a result of a good wet season creating more croc movements.

“The increased number of captures are a reflection of our bumper wet season which provided a greater opportunity and accessibility for crocs to move about the Top End.

“Crocs are highly mobile at this time of year as they move to mate and nest, and saltwater crocodiles can be found in any waterway, anywhere, and at any time,” said Mr Nichols.

The largest croc captured in 2017 was removed from near the Southport boat ramp on 30 March measuring 4.2 metres.

Of all the 371 crocodiles captured in 2017, 56 of those were removed from Hope Inlet, with the largest croc in this area measuring 3.8 metres.

The crocodile management team undertake a number of important initiatives as part of their crocodile management program, including the use of over 50 crocodile traps placed strategically in waterways across the Top End. The program also use a fleet of custom-fitted boats featuring specially fitted harpoon racks, croc slide, self-draining deck and side rails to remove problem crocodiles.

“The increase in captures in 2017 is a very timely reminder to 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.

“It is also a timely reminder that it is an offence to touch, stand on, enter, move or disturb a PWCNT crocodile trap, and doing so may result in a $7,700 fine or six months imprisonment,” said Mr Nichols
Saltwater crocodiles are common in the Top End and can inhabit any waterways including freshwater systems, billabongs and low areas subject to flooding.

The Northern Territory Crocwise strategy can be viewed online at http://www.becrocwise.nt.gov.au.

To report saltwater crocodile sightings in the Darwin region phone 0419 822 859 or in the Katherine region phone 0407 958 405.

For up-to-date information regarding access to parks and reserves administered by the Parks and Wildlife Commission visit http://www.nt.gov.au/parksandwildlife.