KOTA KINABALU: Sabah wildlife rangers are left with no choice but to cull crocodiles in dangerous areas, as the creatures cannot be relocated and crocodile farms are full, said Sabah Wildlife Department director Augustine Tuuga. He explained that attempting to relocate the crocodiles to other areas could also pose danger to the people there.
Tuuga’s remarks came after the Wildlife Department faced criticism on social media for killing a 5m-long crocodile weighing 1.2 tons found under a house in Kampung Desa Bajau in Lahad Datu. The crocodile, which had nearly attacked a child, was shot dead by wildlife rangers as it was too large and aggressive for Civil Defence Force personnel to handle.
Tuuga revealed that in the past, captured crocodiles were sent to crocodile farms, but these facilities are no longer accepting any more due to being full. The director also explained that relocating the crocodiles to other rivers was becoming difficult as many villagers in those areas do not want the reptiles released there, due to potential danger.
Furthermore, Tuuga highlighted the ecological impact of relocating crocodiles to new areas, explaining that it could lead to territorial fighting as well as ecological harmony issues within the resident crocodile population. He reiterated that culling is their “best choice” despite opposition from those who don’t understand the situation.
Tuuga pointed out that since 2000, 65 people have been killed and 31 injured in crocodile attacks across Sabah. In 2023 alone, nine people were killed and four mauled in crocodile attacks in Lahad Datu, Kota Belud, and Tawau. In 2022, nine people were killed and eight injured in such incidents.
