GEDONG – The Sarawak government is advancing a comprehensive strategy to manage its growing crocodile population, including the establishment of specialised sanctuaries and the adoption of international best practices.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Openg confirmed that a delegation was dispatched to Australia to study advanced crocodile management techniques, particularly focusing on sanctuary models and behavioural research.
Sarawak’s crocodile population has surged from 13,500 in 2014 to approximately 25,000 in 2023, heightening concerns about human-wildlife conflicts.
Recent incidents, including a fatal attack on 32-year-old Ahmad Alzadkhri Sudin in Kampung Lubok Punggor, underscore the urgency of these measures.
The Premier emphasized that reduced human activity in rivers due to improved road infrastructure has allowed crocodile breeding to accelerate, necessitating targeted interventions.
Key initiatives include:
- Sanctuary Development: Identified sites include Kuching Wetlands, Seduku Island (Batang Lupar), Rajang Mangrove National Park, and areas in Suai or Sibuti. These zones aim to relocate crocodiles from populated regions while promoting ecotourism.
- Egg Management: Controlled removal of eggs to curb overpopulation, leveraging natural predation dynamics disrupted by human activities.
- Behavioural Research: Studies to differentiate aggressive from passive crocodiles, informed by Australian models where buffalo and crocodiles coexist.
Challenges persist due to cultural beliefs among Indigenous communities, such as taboos against killing crocodiles, which hinder culling efforts.
The government is collaborating with Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) and Wildlife Management International (WMI) Australia to develop science-based policies under the Integrated Crocodile Management Plan.