No culling of non-attacking crocodiles policy to stay in Sabah

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s wildlife policy on no culling of non-attacking crocodiles will not be changed, says state Wildlife Department.

Its director Augustine Tuuga said the state is not changing any regulations regarding its crocodile management policies, as of now, amid public concerns on the increased presence of crocodiles.

“We do not kill crocodiles that do not pose any dangers to humans,” he said when contacted on Thursday (Jan 4).

Tuuga said the reptiles that were shot dead had potential to harm humans, including those found dwelling under homes, rivers or in sea where people often use for daily operations or fishing and other activities.

He said permits are issued to those who have hunting licenses to catch crocodiles for food.

“What we don’t allow is for the export of crocodiles, that’s all,” he said.

Earlier, Tuuga said since 2000, a total of 65 people have been killed and 31 injured in crocodile attacks across Sabah.

Last year, nine people were killed and four mauled in attacks in Tawau, Lahad Datu and Kinabatangan, he added.

On Dec 28, last year, The Star reported that some 60% respondents of the about 250 people surveyed agreed that crocodiles should be culled.

These were the numbers gathered from two separate polls, one in English and another in Bahasa Melayu, conducted by 1StopBorneo Wildlife.

The conservation group’s founder Shavez Cheema said a proper standard operating procedure should be put in place in deciding to put down a captured crocodile or those posing a threat in areas close to human settlements.

He said it would not be justified to kill every crocodile that is seen in an area.

He felt that it is best to leave the crocodiles within their natural habitat and only cull them if they attacked humans, though it would still be better for them to be moved away.