Published Wednesday, 18 July, 2007 at 02:06 PM
Minister for Environment and Multiculturalism
The Honourable Lindy Nelson-Carr
QPWS survey shows no evidence of significant increase in croc numbers
A survey of north and central Queensland’s east coast river systems has found no evidence of an increase in the estuarine crocodile population, Environment Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said today.
Ms Nelson-Carr said QPWS surveyed 47 rivers, covering 767 km, along Queensland’s east coast from the Endeavour River in the north to the Burnett River in the south, using internationally accepted vessel based survey methods.
“We didn’t set out to count every crocodile. We were looking for indications of a population increase in response to claims of a population “explosion” from a small but vocal section of community,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“The extensive survey, conducted at night over a three-week period in April and May, recorded a total of 289 crocodiles, including 112 hatchlings.
“Excluding waterways south of Gladstone which have not been surveyed before, what the QPWS found in this survey was one non-hatchling crocodile every 3.3 km of waterway.
“Such an extensive survey of this area has not been conducted before and hence a direct comparison with previous surveys is not possible.
“However, surveys of 14 rivers from Proserpine to Gladstone in 1999 found an average of one non-hatchling crocodile every two kilometres.
“In 2000, 12 rivers from Tully north to Cooktown were surveyed and a crocodile was sighted on average every 1.7 kilometres.
“What was found in this recent survey was a low density of crocodiles, certainly no higher than previous surveys in these areas and much lower than those in the Northern Territory, where it is not uncommon to find crocodile population densities that are 10 to 20 times higher than this,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“The survey also found no evidence that the habitat range of crocodiles has increased, with none being found south of the Fitzroy River.”
Ms Nelson-Carr said the survey findings confirmed there was no population explosion as claimed by some people who would like to see these native animals culled.
“There is no doubt Queensland’s crocodile population must be carefully managed to ensure human safety.” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“However, from a conservation and tourism perspective the results of the survey are concerning.
“The estuarine crocodile is a vulnerable species that has been in recovery since crocodile hunting was banned in 1974. This survey indicates that the population is having difficulty recovering from hunting, especially in the more intensely developed areas from Cooktown south.
“Research has shown most of the hatchlings counted during the survey will never reach adulthood as just one percent of eggs laid make it to five-years-old.
“Crocodiles are apex predators and contribute greatly to the health of Queensland’s environment as well as it’s economy.
“Seeing a crocodile in the wild is listed by many foreign tourists as the top reason why they visit north Queensland.”
Ms Nelson Carr said while the survey showed crocodile populations were not exploding, it was important to emphasise the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service was anything but complacent in relation to protecting human safety.
“The QPWS responds to all reported crocodile sightings and has removed 44 problem crocodiles over the past three years.
“To try to address public safety by attempting to remove or cull all crocodiles in populated areas is just plain dangerous.
“If the EPA removed all crocs near human habitat, not only would it have significant impacts on the ecosystem, but more importantly it would lull people into a false sense of security.
“Specially trained QPWS rangers closely monitor crocodiles that are sighted near populated areas and remove them if necessary.”
Ms Nelson-Carr said the EPA was evaluating all submissions received on the draft Crocodile Management Plan, with a final plan to be released later in the year.
“We should be proud of the fact that crocodiles are part of the central and northern Queensland landscape,” she said.
Media contact: Karla Steen 3336 8004 or Lisa Gilby 3336 8002
Ms Nelson-Carr said QPWS surveyed 47 rivers, covering 767 km, along Queensland’s east coast from the Endeavour River in the north to the Burnett River in the south, using internationally accepted vessel based survey methods.
“We didn’t set out to count every crocodile. We were looking for indications of a population increase in response to claims of a population “explosion” from a small but vocal section of community,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“The extensive survey, conducted at night over a three-week period in April and May, recorded a total of 289 crocodiles, including 112 hatchlings.
“Excluding waterways south of Gladstone which have not been surveyed before, what the QPWS found in this survey was one non-hatchling crocodile every 3.3 km of waterway.
“Such an extensive survey of this area has not been conducted before and hence a direct comparison with previous surveys is not possible.
“However, surveys of 14 rivers from Proserpine to Gladstone in 1999 found an average of one non-hatchling crocodile every two kilometres.
“In 2000, 12 rivers from Tully north to Cooktown were surveyed and a crocodile was sighted on average every 1.7 kilometres.
“What was found in this recent survey was a low density of crocodiles, certainly no higher than previous surveys in these areas and much lower than those in the Northern Territory, where it is not uncommon to find crocodile population densities that are 10 to 20 times higher than this,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“The survey also found no evidence that the habitat range of crocodiles has increased, with none being found south of the Fitzroy River.”
Ms Nelson-Carr said the survey findings confirmed there was no population explosion as claimed by some people who would like to see these native animals culled.
“There is no doubt Queensland’s crocodile population must be carefully managed to ensure human safety.” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“However, from a conservation and tourism perspective the results of the survey are concerning.
“The estuarine crocodile is a vulnerable species that has been in recovery since crocodile hunting was banned in 1974. This survey indicates that the population is having difficulty recovering from hunting, especially in the more intensely developed areas from Cooktown south.
“Research has shown most of the hatchlings counted during the survey will never reach adulthood as just one percent of eggs laid make it to five-years-old.
“Crocodiles are apex predators and contribute greatly to the health of Queensland’s environment as well as it’s economy.
“Seeing a crocodile in the wild is listed by many foreign tourists as the top reason why they visit north Queensland.”
Ms Nelson Carr said while the survey showed crocodile populations were not exploding, it was important to emphasise the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service was anything but complacent in relation to protecting human safety.
“The QPWS responds to all reported crocodile sightings and has removed 44 problem crocodiles over the past three years.
“To try to address public safety by attempting to remove or cull all crocodiles in populated areas is just plain dangerous.
“If the EPA removed all crocs near human habitat, not only would it have significant impacts on the ecosystem, but more importantly it would lull people into a false sense of security.
“Specially trained QPWS rangers closely monitor crocodiles that are sighted near populated areas and remove them if necessary.”
Ms Nelson-Carr said the EPA was evaluating all submissions received on the draft Crocodile Management Plan, with a final plan to be released later in the year.
“We should be proud of the fact that crocodiles are part of the central and northern Queensland landscape,” she said.
Media contact: Karla Steen 3336 8004 or Lisa Gilby 3336 8002