Study on croc density to better manage its population

KUCHING: Sarawak Forestry is carrying out a study on the crocodile density in Kampung Bako and Kuching wetland areas. 

Kampung Bako is where one of the reptiles attacked a boy recently. 

Its chief wildlife warden, Wilfred Landong, said the findings would enable the department to appropriately manage the crocodile population. 

“Kampung Bako is one of the hotspots for research on crocodiles,” he said in a press statement. 

Landong said investigations showed that a Year Six pupil Mohd Azuan Hatta, 12, was attacked by a crocodile while swimming in Sg Bako near his house over a week ago. 

The search for the missing boy is still on and his family has engaged bomohs to help capture the reptile. 

Landong said crocodile sightings in the Kampung Bako area were common and he advised villagers to be extra careful when doing their daily chores near the riverbanks. 

He said the adult male saltwater crocodiles were typically 5m long but the bigger ones could measure up to 7m in length.  

“Female crocodiles are much smaller than males, with typical female body lengths in the range of 2.5m to 3m.” 

Landong said while the estuarine crocodile, known locally as buaya katak, was a protected animal, its killing was allowed if the reptile threatened or endangered human life.  

Under the Wildlife Protection (Amendment) Ordinance, 2003, any wildlife officer or other authorised person may shoot or capture any wild animal that is a danger to human lives or property.