A 4.3-metre estuarine crocodile has been captured and removed from the Upper Mowbray River near Port Douglas after it was suspected of taking several weaner calves in the past few months.
Following a report to the QWildlife app, Department of Environment and Science (DES) wildlife officers conducted a site assessment and confirmed the presence of the large crocodile.
“During the assessment, wildlife officers observed the crocodile displaying assertive behaviour, and the animal was unconcerned by the presence of the wildlife officers,” DES said in a statement.
“Given the location was near an informal swimming hole and a fishing area used by local children, a decision was made to declare the animal a problem crocodile and target it for removal from the wild.”
The crocodile was captured in a baited trap on Sunday morning and taken to the department’s holding facility in Cairns.
Due to its large size, the crocodile must be dealt with as an ‘icon crocodile’ under Queensland’s conservation laws.
This means the decision on where the crocodile will be placed and housed must be made in consultation with the relevant Traditional Owners.
Queensland’s conservation laws also specify that the animal may only be placed with a registered crocodile farm or zoo which agrees to use it for purposes directed at promoting estuarine crocodile conservation – such as by providing education about crocodile conservation, or information about crocodile ecology and habitat protection.
DES says it will work in partnership with Traditional Owners to select a suitable facility that can accommodate and present the crocodile in accordance with its icon status.
Crocodiles that pose a threat to human safety are targeted for removal under the Queensland Crocodile Management Plan. Members of the public are encouraged to report crocodile sightings as soon as possible through the QWildlife app or by calling 1300 130 372. DES investigates all reports it receives.
