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protected species. Queensland grudgingly instruments of mass death, actively hunting Proactively it’s with the same mother of
followed suit three years later, but I guess old humans. invention that can allow us to safely co-exist
habits are hard to break because its said that Surprisingly to the media, crocodiles don’t with Saltwater Crocodiles in Tropical North
crocs were still being shot illegally well into tend to go out of their way to make a Queensland. Through technology and good
the 80s. There’s still plenty of people around meal out of people. As aggressive hunters old common sense, Port Douglas Daintree is
who will tell you about swimming and water as crocodiles are, they are opportunistic leading the way in crocodile management.
skiing on the Daintree river. Seriously people predators. This means they don’t like To keep on the croc-pulsating cusp of
did this, yikes! “things” (people) in their space and they will who’s lurking where, rangers are hitting
certainly let you know in a not so subtle way. the waterways and the skies in boats and
Snapping On helicopters surveying across ‘croc’ country.
With immense remorse for the victims, their
Prevailing in the jaws of victory, wild crocodile families and the crocodiles (who will then They are keeping a keen expert eye on
numbers are on the mend since protection be hunted and euthanased) whenever this crocodile biology and monitoring crocodile
was introduced. But the truth is their happens the big “cull or not to cull” debate is populations, including by sizes and whether
population in Queensland will never fully the hot topic in the news, by politicians and crocodile populations are increasing,
recoup due to habitat loss and coastal in the pubs. decreasing or remaining steady at different
development. The loss of wetland areas from How likely are crocodile attacks? places across their range.
urban expansion has left them with limited Keeping it safe by managing problem
spaces to nest. In reality, crocodile attacks in Australia are crocs. The Department of Environment and
low, largely due of the success of educational
Thanks to dedicated conservation and education programs to be croc-wise in croc country. Science (DES) investigates every crocodile
efforts, they have been given a renewal on life. These are aimed at warning people to think sighting report it receives; installs temporary
This is such a relief since crocodiles play a and permanent warning signs, removes
twice, reminding them of the dangers of
vital role in keeping wetland ecosystems crocodile populated waters. In actual fact, “problem” crocodiles and operates a publicly
healthy. Without them things would go pretty more people die from cows, bees and selfie accessible “CrocWatch” database.
topsy-turvy. They help keep the balance in accidents. There’s an old proverb that goes: “If you
the intricate web of life in freshwater and can’t beat them, send in drone patrol.” –
estuarine ecosystems. They are key predators What’s more bonkers is that the majority Yup Port Douglas Surf Life Saving is trail
at the top of the food chain that eat a wide of crocodile attacks aren’t aimed at blazing advanced croc warning systems with
range of prey ensuring certain populations unsuspecting tourists but rather on locals drone technology. They can better identify
are in check. who seem to be alien to common sense. Often crocodiles instead of logodiles, ensuring
times fuelled by too much grog, a dare and a
Crocodiles have shaped the world around us complacent “can’t happen to me” mentality. ample time if the beach needs to be closed.
for more than 250 million years. If they were But it only takes one error of poor judgment THINK. THINK. THINK.
to be lost it would have a dramatic flow on to change things. Knowledge is king as they say. The region’s
effect to the world as we know it.
To co-exist is easy, we’ve been doing it for risk reduction through their influential ‘Croc-
Crocodile Rocking thousands of years - Keep your distance, and wise’ public education is going guns blazing
- DES delivers a public awareness program,
everything will be okay.
Can We Co-Exist? promoting safe behaviour for locals and
EVERYBODY’S HAPPY!
Are saltwater crocodiles dangerous? visitors to the area. This program is in part of
A.B.S.O.L.U.T.E.LY. Leading The Way In Croc local governments, the tourism sector and Surf
Kind of like peanuts are deadly to some Management Life Saving Queensland – we’ve all got your
back, if you have your own.
people, but if they’re managed properly any
incident can be prevented. So just think of Under normal circumstances humans shouldn’t
be at the top of the “natural” food chain, we Best Places To Smile At Crocodiles
crocs as peanuts and everyone is allergic,
people just need to be smart and mindful kind of cheated our way up there through For anyone visiting the Port Douglas Daintree
about how they interact or not interact with the invention of tools. Reality check is if left area witnessing a crocodile is high on the
crocodiles. alone with anything not cute enough to be bucket list. But there is a wrong way and
sold at the Disney Store, then chances are a right way of doing this - the wrong way:
If there is an unfortunate crocodile attack, nature will take the win on a man vs nature
the media is quick to send fear waves of scenario. trying to impress a girl or attempting a drop-
nature’s “supervillain” running rampant as dead selfie.

Wildllife Habitat

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