Published Friday, 06 July, 2007 at 01:31 PM
Minister for Environment and Multiculturalism
The Honourable Lindy Nelson-Carr
HUMAN SAFETY PARAMOUNT IN MANAGEMENT OF CROCS IN QUEENSLAND
The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service responds to all reported crocodile sightings and has removed 44 problem crocodiles over the past three years.
Environment Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said the prompt investigation of all reported croc sightings showed the State Government’s Crocodile Management Plan placed a high importance on human safety.
“This management plan, which is currently under review, carefully balances human safety considerations with the conservation of estuarine crocodile populations,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“QPWS records show the number of crocodile sightings reported has not increased since the 2004/2005 financial year. There are some seasonal variations in sighting reports due the animals becoming more visible when they are warming themselves by basking in the sun.
“207 crocodile sightings were reported in that financial year, while just 101 sightings were reported in 2005/06 and 122 in 2006/07.
“Each and every one of these crocodile sightings is investigated by QPWS officers and each animal is assessed against set criteria to determine if it is a problem croc.
“If after this assessment they are found to be problem crocs, they are targeted for removal.”
Ms Nelson-Carr said QPWS officers had removed 44 crocodiles over the past three years, with the majority of these animals relocated to licensed zoos or wildlife facilities.
“Human safety comes first but we are also interested in the conservation of these animals as apex predators and an important part of the ecosystem in North Queensland.”
The review of the Crocodile Management Plan is expected to be finalised by the end of the year. The review will look at the best ways to manage crocodiles in Queensland over the next 10 years.
Media contact: Karla Steen 3336 8004 or Lisa Gilby 3336 8002
Environment Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said the prompt investigation of all reported croc sightings showed the State Government’s Crocodile Management Plan placed a high importance on human safety.
“This management plan, which is currently under review, carefully balances human safety considerations with the conservation of estuarine crocodile populations,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“QPWS records show the number of crocodile sightings reported has not increased since the 2004/2005 financial year. There are some seasonal variations in sighting reports due the animals becoming more visible when they are warming themselves by basking in the sun.
“207 crocodile sightings were reported in that financial year, while just 101 sightings were reported in 2005/06 and 122 in 2006/07.
“Each and every one of these crocodile sightings is investigated by QPWS officers and each animal is assessed against set criteria to determine if it is a problem croc.
“If after this assessment they are found to be problem crocs, they are targeted for removal.”
Ms Nelson-Carr said QPWS officers had removed 44 crocodiles over the past three years, with the majority of these animals relocated to licensed zoos or wildlife facilities.
“Human safety comes first but we are also interested in the conservation of these animals as apex predators and an important part of the ecosystem in North Queensland.”
The review of the Crocodile Management Plan is expected to be finalised by the end of the year. The review will look at the best ways to manage crocodiles in Queensland over the next 10 years.
Media contact: Karla Steen 3336 8004 or Lisa Gilby 3336 8002